Seventh Sunday of Easter

After Jesus had been taken up to heaven the apostles returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a Sabbath day's journey away.

When they entered the city they went to the upper room where they were staying, Peter and John and James and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James son of Alphaeus, Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James.  All these devoted themselves with one accord to prayer, together with some women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers.  Acts 1:  12-14

Today we celebrate the Seventh Sunday after Easter.  I can’t believe that is has been seven weeks since Easter Sunday.  Time is flying by.  As I listened to this reading at Mass today I was struck that the Apostles gathered in the familiar room they had been in when Jesus appeared in their midst.  I can imagine how difficult it must have been for the Apostles as Jesus told them that he was going away and would no longer be physically with them.  They must have experienced profound grief and confusion.  But Jesus did promise to be with them until the end of time.  It is this promise that kept them going and keeps us going too.  As we celebrate this day let us always remember that Jesus’ promise is alive for each one of us!

Pat Schifini, OSU