6th Sunday of Easter 2008

The dust has settled on Pope Benedict’s trip to the United States of America. He has arrived back safely in Rome. Things are getting back to normal. But what is not returning to normal is the profound impact that Pope Benedict’s visit seems to have made in the USA. His words were listened to very closely, all the events were covered, he was watched and admired by many millions of people. You can’t help feeling that there is a striking similarity between Apostles and himself in the first reading of today’s Mass. The apostles speak with authority, the apostles do mighty deeds, the apostles change people’s hearts. You feel that something of this has happened during this visit: from the highest to the lowest people have listened to him, great assemblies have gathered, representatives from the nation and all religions have met with him. Everyone seems to have been moved by his presence.

At the heart of Pope Benedict’s visit is a very simple fact, that in his person the Pope reminds the Church of what it is supposed to be about. We are supposed to carry the Gospel to the nations and baptise in his name. The Gospel is not for select groups. The Gospel is not given and locked away. The Gospel is not something that we put in a bottle and put the stopper on. The very reality of it is to be carried to the nations, it is to be passed onto others, it is not a secret for the few, its more outward than inward, its not private its public.

In a most amazing way the Pope has fulfilled that on the Whitehouse lawn, in Yankee stadium, at Ground Zero, in the streets and cities of America. He is like Paul, like Philip and Peter and John in the reading at today’s mass. There has been an urgency and drive to hand it on, complete, whole, intact to others. People want to lock the faith away to churches, people’s homes, to people’s opinions; he has reminded us that it is to be taken into the world.

Of course the same is true for us. When we receive the message is not to arrive at us like a train arrives at a train station and the end of the line and goes nowhere. It must flow from us to others. Is that not why it is so important to be a good example of what we believe. Is that not where giving a courteous account of what we believe, so important. Is that not why we should have a living faith rather than a dead one. Should we not avoid at all costs that sense that it has arrived at me and this is the end of the line – should there not always be a quiet conviction that God is using me, my words, my life, to bring people to him. Should there not be some sense in me that I can carry the Gospel into the world, into my world.

The Church that is under the influence of the Holy Spirit is not a church locked away in the upper room. It is a Church of the Pentecost. Not even the harshest regime that kills our members can lock the message of the Gospel away. Not a secular age which has not place for God can hold back the Gospel. Pope’s visit to the USA reminds us that people want to listen, people want to know, but they must get a messenger. That messenger is no one else than you and me.

That is why the Church speaks out: pro-life issues; social justice issues; world poverty; moral values. As it speaks, it is carrying the message into the world. Into the world of public policy, values, the way people live their life.

But we know that one of the most important parts of passing on that message is to live it. You can tell someone to pray but when they see you pray, its worth more than a thousand words. You can speak about the importance of honesty but if people see you are honest, then its worth more than a thousand words. You can speak out for justice but of you are not just yourself then it damages the message. The power of good example is everything.

I think that is what most impressed people about Pope Benedict. The sincerity of his voice, the clarity of his teaching shone out. The power of good example is everything.

Prayers of the Faithful 6th Sunday in Easter

Priest

We wish to reverence the Lord Jesus in our hearts and to witness to him in our lives. We pray for the strength that we need in our daily lives

Intercessor

For Pope Benedict who has completed his visit to America, that his words may inspire the Church and remind it that it too is a pilgrim Church that doesn’t stand still

Lord hear us

For a strong witness that comes from a deep faith – that we may never find ourselves denying or diminishing our beliefs.

Lord hear us

For the Church as it prepares to celebrate the Ascension of our Lord, that we may be true to his commands and stand in readiness for him.

Lord hear us

For a spirit of true Christian love among us that banishes rivalries, jealousies, hatreds and resentments in order to love as Christ has loved us.

Lord hear us

For all who are in crisis in their lives and who find themselves alone and isolated from others – that the Spirit of Christ may lift those who find themselves laid low.

Lord hear us

For all who have died Mary Monaghan, George Pyne & Margaret Watson and all those whose anniversaries occur at this time.

Lord hear us

Priest

Heavenly Father, teach us how to love since loves from you. Help us to keep our eye on your son, help us to be united with him because left to ourselves we are lost.

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