Word from the Pastor

Sixth Sunday of Easter

“Always be ready to give an explanation for your hope.”
Acts 8:5-8,14-17,1 Peter 3: 15-18, John 14: 15-21

Dear parish family,​

Today’s readings speak of our call to share the Gospel. While we cannot all be missionaries to distant lands, we are all called to take the hope of the Gospel message to those around us. ​

We know that evangelizing is never easy, for we are never sure how others will respond. When Philip first went to Samaria, he was by no means guaranteed a positive reception. This was shortly after the martyrdom of Stephen and the beginning of the first persecution of the early Church. Philip had escaped to the northern province and found himself among the Samaritans, a mixed-race group who expected the Messiah but were considered heretics by the Jews. As our first reading tells us, there he proclaimed Christ and by his authentic witness won over the people. Through Philip’s ministry people were healed and came to faith, and the Scripture tells us that there was great joy in that city. ​

Yet the power he drew on was not his own but the promised presence of the Spirit of truth, the Advocate, promised by Jesus in today’s Gospel to all who love him and keep his word. Jesus promises us in today’s Gospel that he will not leave us orphans. Like Philip, we will never have to toil alone: the promised Spirit will be there to give us courage and strength so we can share about the hope we have in Christ with joyful hearts. ​

So how do we effectively share the Gospel with others? Writing to the early Church, Peter advises all believers to be prepared for those moments when they will have to explain their hope and faith. His advice is as valid for us today as it was then. To have our explanation ready we first need to know our faith, which requires both ongoing prayer and faith formation, especially Scripture study. Fellowship and sharing are excellent ways to deepen that knowledge and to help us find the words to share our faith with others. But as Saint Peter cautions, our words must be given with gentleness and reverence, not allowing ourselves to be embroiled in arguments, for how we convey the Good News is as important as the words we use. ​

But whatever words we use, evangelization also depends deeply on how we lead our lives. If we keep Christ’s commandments, we offer a compelling witness to the Gospel we proclaim. ​

Finally, let us not be discouraged, even if we think we have fallen short or believe we have not been the best models of Christian living. Because we can trust that it is the Spirit who will work in the hearts of others, we can safely leave the results of our efforts ​

Fr. Jean Jadotte
Pastor