May 2: Fifth Sunday of Easter

Reading I: Acts 9:26-31
Responsorial Psalm 22:26-27, 28, 30, 31-32
Reading II: 1 John 3:18-24
Gospel: John 15:1-8

These days without our pastor may show us more than ever how attached we need to stay to Jesus.

I recall reading that the church was oppressed for centuries in Japan; no priests were permitted. For hundreds of years, the people kept the faith alive. Church history in our own country was built by faith-filled immigrants. For instance, German immigrants to the USA built their churches and created societies for the care of not only the buildings but also the people. Only when everything was in place did they send to the old country for a priest.

Antonietta DiRiseo, a very active parishioner during Assumption’s Fr. Beatini years, told me two-thirds of Assumption were from Abruzzi, Italy. During Fr. Palumbos’ pastorate, their descendants donated statues for our chapel commemorating an Abruzzi farmer who prayed to our Blessed Mother to protect his land when the entire area was devastated by a wild storm.

It is always up to us, the children of God to keep faith alive. Today’s scripture readings tell us how:

The Acts of the Apostles 9:26-31 tells of Paul’s conversion from persecuting followers of Jesus to being Jesus’ disciple and missionary. Barnabas’ encouragement and support dispelled fear and helped nurture the church with the consolation of the Holy Spirit.

1 John 3:18-24 urges us to put our love into action.

In John 15:1-8 we are reminded to stay connected to the vine that is Jesus. How do we do that? Twice-vaccinated and masked, we stay six feet apart and worship both in church and wherever we are. I have no words to express the joy I felt when I could give Communion after COVID regulations permitted us to come to church. Seeing you in the flesh is heartening. Elbow bumps sub for hugs. Head bows and peace gestures sub for handshakes. We can still share the stories of faith, the experiences of kindnesses, the hope in our children, the love for those who are ill, addicted, unemployed, homeless, hardworking, and underpaid.

To proclaim the scriptures can be heart-wrenching when we don’t all see them lived out. God’s Word is so often about the downtrodden and vulnerable and we’ve really got to open our eyes to see them and our ears to hear them and stand shoulder-to-shoulder to be in solidarity with them.

These, along with prayer, are some of the ways we stay connected to the vine that is Christ; they’re some of the ways Christ nurtures us to be fruitful. All it takes is to let Jesus’ Holy Spirit surge through us. That is when we love, love, love even when it is difficult, even when we’re impatient to see the fruit of our love. That Holy Spirit given us in baptism and sealed in confirmation is always trying to enliven our faith despite the obstacles.