Newsletter Sixth Sunday of Easter / May 10th, 2026

Faith in Action: A Reflection for the 6th Sunday of Easter

As we draw closer to the celebration of Pentecost, our readings this week invite us to move beyond a passive belief in God and toward a life of active, tangible love.

· In our Gospel, Jesus gives us a simple, yet profoundly challenging, test of discipleship: “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” This isn’t a demand rooted in legalism, but a invitation into a relationship. When we fall in love with a person, we naturally want to please them; we want to align our lives with their desires. Jesus is calling us to that same intimacy. He promises us the “Advocate,” the Holy Spirit, who will not leave us as orphans but will dwell within us, acting as our compass in an often-confusing world.

· This theme of an indwelling presence is echoed in the first reading from Acts. When Peter and John arrive in Samaria, they pray that the new believers might receive the Holy Spirit. It is a reminder that our faith is not just a private spiritual feeling; it is a power that transforms us. Just as the people of Samaria experienced “great joy” when they                 encountered the Good News, we, too, are meant to be beacons of joy in our parish and our Community.

· Saint Peter hits the nail on the head in our second reading when he urges us to “always be ready to give an           explanation for the hope that you have.” Notice that he doesn’t say “explain your theology” or “win an argument.” He says explain your hope. People are rarely converted by our debates, but they are often changed by our hope -especially when we remain steadfast, kind, and generous in the face of life’s inevitable difficulties.

As we go about our week, let us ask ourselves: Does my life show evidence of the Holy Spirit? When people see the way I interact with my family, my coworkers, and my neighbours, do they ask me why I have such hope?

Let us strive to love Jesus not just with our words, but by keeping His commandments—primarily the commandment to love one another as He has loved us. In doing so, we prove that we are never truly alone, for the Spirit of Truth is alive and      working through us.