I am in the Father and the Father is in me

Acts 6:1-7, 1 Pet. 2:4-9, Jn 14:1-12. On this Fifth Sunday of Easter Year A, the Church invites us to turn our focus on Christ, for the love and mercy He has shown us. In today’s first reading, the neglect of the Hellenists in the daily distribution of meals led to the election of seven Deacons in order to take care of the social needs of the believers. Here, the Apostles teaches us to set our priority right and give ‘the Word of God’ first place in our doings. We must not take the social or material needs of our communities for granted. If left unattended, they could undermine the work of God. We must balance our spiritual and material needs because both are important. We must not forget who we are or neglect our primary calling. The mundane should not distract us from our mission and vocation as Peter rightly noted: “It would not be right for us to neglect the word of God so as to give out food…we will hand over this duty and devote ourselves to prayer and to the service of the word of God.”

In the second reading, Peter reminds us of our priestly and royal heritage: “A chosen race, a royal priesthood, a consecrated nation, a people set apart to sing the praises of God…” Peter writes the Jews in diaspora, reminding them that their common faith in Christ builds them up into "a holy community of priests offering spiritual sacrifices that please God." Through baptism, we become acceptable to God, a spiritual house for God and co-mediators with Christ. As the Eternal High Priest, Jesus is one with the Father, indeed that He is Divine when He says in today's Gospel: “If you have seen me, you have seen the Father” and “I am in the Father and the Father is in me.” The unity of Christ with the Father gives us two authorities: the authorities to act and ask in His Name to be able do the Work of God: "The words I speak to you, I say not on my own authority, but the Father who dwells in me does his works." We are a lot more effective when we intercede together as a community of believers because when we pray, our prayers become the prayer of Jesus Christ and God cannot refuse the Prayer of His Word, for God is not a contradiction. Every act of ours becomes the 'Work of God' as we continue the ministry of Jesus.

May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ help us to understand each other more deeply, work together as a team and trustingly remain with our Lord Jesus Christ in all circumstances! Amen!! Remain safe and Happy Sunday!!!