The abiding presence of God through the Holy Spirit is the most recurring theme of the scriptural readings, as we draw closer to the end of the Eastertide that culminates with the feasts of Ascension and Pentecost. Indeed, the readings this Sunday are all about the abiding love of God through his Spirit of love.
The Christian life and spirituality could be summarized in the dying wish of Jesus Christ for us to love one another as he (Christ) has loved us. Hence, the most fundamental guiding principle, philosophy, theology or spirituality of the Christian life is the call to love God and others not like ourselves but like Jesus did and commanded us to do.
One thing that is obvious celebrating the good shepherd Sunday is that the imagery of the Christ the Good Shepherd implies the image of loyal and good sheep. Traditionally, the fourth Sunday after Easter is called the Good Shepherd Sunday and it is also the “World Day of Prayer for Vocations. When we pray priestly for and religious vocations, as well as for martial life since the good shepherd role is also in the family.
The power of the Risen Christ through the Holy Spirit is Peter’s transformation to stand for and with Christ our Saviour and Lord. Hence, the person and personality of Peter is a very interesting point to reflect upon this Easter time. This is because in him we see the resurrection power a work, changing and transforming everything about him.
The Divine Mercy is the unfathomable grace of God! This is the Easter gift that the Church receives from the Risen Christ and offers to humanity. The devotion to Divine Mercy Sunday grew rapidly after its designation by Pope Saint John Paul II.
Our Easter song is alleluia! Christ is risen Alleluia! For death or tomb could not hold him captive and even in the grave, Jesus is Lord. Alleluia! This is the context and the mystery of the resurrection. Indeed, it is one of the most controversial topics of Christianity. Yet, it is on it that our Christian faith, life and testimony are anchored firmly.
The Palm Sunday known as the Passion Sunday liturgically is the commemoration or relive of the triumphant entry of Christ to Jerusalem. A historical and bold entry that eventually leads to his passion, death and resurrection. It is not only a fulfilment of the plan or will of God the Father as Jesus himself indicated it to us. It is a demonstration of the love of God to save us at all costs from slavery to sin and Satan.
The principal or central theme of this fifth Sunday of Lent is that there is empowerment through the grace and mercy of God in our sinfulness. God is never interested in the death or punishment of anyone of us due to sin. His grace and mercy always meet us in our state or moment of wretchedness.
One of the most beautiful stories of the gospel of Jesus Christ is the story of the Prodigal Son which demonstrated that the repentance of one sinner is the joy of God the Father. For this reason, many biblical scholars believe that the parable of the Prodigal son should be called the Prodigal Father, the forgiving or loving father or the joy of God. The story shows us who God the Father actually is, a God who wastes grace, mercy and love despite our waywardness to squander them.
Truly, Lenten season is not only a moment of prayer, penance and charity, but also a time of repentance, reconciliation and renewal of our relationship with God and our brothers and sisters. It is a time to take full advantage of the grace and mercy of God made available to us through Christ Jesus.