ACTS 8:5-8, 14-17; PS 66:1-7, 16, 20; 1 PT 3:15-18; JN 14:15-21
On this sixth Sunday of Easter, our readings remind us of both the importance of the Holy Spirit in our lives and the truth that love of God is shown through concrete actions — this is precisely why the stewardship way of life is so necessary.
In our first reading from Acts, we hear that the Samaritans had accepted the word of God, yet something was still missing. Peter and John came to them and prayed that they might receive the Holy Spirit, “for it had not yet fallen upon any of them.” Only after they laid hands on them did they receive the fullness of what God desired to give.
We, too, have received the Holy Spirit — first at Baptism and more fully at Confirmation. The gifts and guidance of the Holy Spirit are essential for living the stewardship way of life. As we draw closer to Pentecost, this is a fitting time to examine our relationship with the Holy Spirit. Do we rely on Him? Do we turn to Him for strength, wisdom, and direction in our daily lives?
Our second reading reinforces this call. “Sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts.” Christ must be more than a part of our lives — He must be at the center of them. As His disciples, we are called to surrender every aspect of our lives to Him — our time, our talent, and our treasure.
The stewardship way of life gives us a concrete way to live this out. It allows us to “prove” our love, in a sense, because love is not merely sentiment. “Whoever has my commandments and observes them is the one who loves me,” Jesus tells us.
True love requires courage, humility, and trust. It requires that we lean on the Holy Spirit to help us make Christ the Lord of our lives each day.
But the reward is beyond anything this world can offer. “Whoever loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and reveal myself to him.”
Let us ask the Holy Spirit to help us fully embrace the stewardship way of life, so that we may truly sanctify Christ as Lord in our hearts.
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