Thursday of the Fifth Week of Easter
In today’s first reading from the Act of the Apostles, we see the question arise; what is it that saves us? Peter says about the Gentiles, who were not observing the law, “God, who knows the heart, bore witness by granting them the Holy Spirit just as he did us. He made no distinction between us and them, for by faith he purified their hearts.”
We see here two very important points. First, we see that God knows the heart of humanity and he knows our hearts better than we know our own heart. He knows of what we are made and what it is that motivates our actions and desires; for good things can be done for impure reasons. Second, it is by faith that he will purify our hearts and this purification will be known by the Grace of the Holy Spirit seen within us. This grace will be seen by our love for one another and for God. This is why Jesus encourages us in the Gospel to, “Remain in my love.” And how do we remain in his love, “if you keep my commandments, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and remain in his love.” In this we will be fulfilled, and our hope and joy will be made complete.
Reflection by Br. Placid Dale, OSB
Posted in Article for Easter, Daily Reflections