Homily , May 3, 2026
From The Pastor
The Resurrection of Jesus reveals and releases a new love into the world. From the beginning of creation, the power and essence of God have always been and will always be in the world. God creates out of love for the sake of love in all that is created. The essence of the Divine creates and sustains all that is in an unchanging love. In the Old Testament, what we now know as the Holy Spirit was simply known as the Spirit of God.
The Resurrection of Jesus, by his own promise, released the living presence of the Holy Spirit into the world. The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of God, which is the Spirit of eternal and unchanging love. The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Jesus. “I have told you this while I am with you. The Advocate, the Holy Spirit that the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything and remind you of all I have told you.” John 14: 25-26. Several times Jesus promises the sending of the Holy Spirit, that he would not leave believers orphaned or alone. The reading from the Second Sunday of Easter makes the reality of the Holy Spirit personal and transformative for those in the Upper Room.
Hiding behind locked doors in fear, the disciples are stunned to see Jesus appear to them after his death. His presence alone is profoundly consoling, yet Jesus confirms, “Peace be with you.” He proceeds to breathe on them saying: “Receive the Holy Spirit” with the commission to forgive sin and preach the gospel. The Holy Spirit is the same Spirit of God known from the Old Testament revealed in a new and living way through the transforming death and Resurrection of Jesus into new life. Death is defeated, sin is forgiven and the Spirit of the living God is sent into the hearts of all believers.
The life of the Spirit is further confirmed in the letters of St. John. Living in the power of the Holy Spirit, St. John affirms ‘Beloved, let us love one another, because love is of God; everyone who loves is begotten by God and knows God.’ 1 John 4:7. Later in the same letter, John continues: ‘God is love, and those who live in love, live in God and God in them.’
I share all of this by way of leading into today’s gospel. The setting is the Last Supper and the uncertainty of what lies ahead for Jesus. The gospel begins, “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Have faith in God; have faith also in me.”
‘’Do not let your hearts be troubled’ could also be translated as do not be afraid. The fruit or grace of the Resurrection is to free believers and all humanity from the fear of death, the guilt and punishment of sin, and the hope of eternal life with God.
Love is the cornerstone and foundation of this truth. Love comes from God as an unending and inexhaustible gift. Love is not something we work for or attain through our own efforts. God’s love for us is not dependent on our good behavior, performance, success, or personal accomplishments. God’s love is a gift without limit. We may be tempted to think there is not enough love in the world. This is not the case. Any lack of love grows out of the disorder of sin which creates fear and doubt causing us to mistrust and turned away from the love God has freely given us.
God’s love is always present, but not always accepted, realized, allowed, or perceived. Human beings have an untiring need for security. When things become scary, uncertain, or threatening, humans tend to withhold and withdraw from normal human engagement for the sake of perceived security. This is precisely the case of the disciples in the Upper Room.
Jesus knows how to read a room. He feels the fear and concern of the disciples and does all he can to secure their peace. Jesus works to explain the mystery that lies before them. Jesus is secure in the Father’s love. His trust is full-hearted and strong. Still, Jesus is vulnerable to his own fear and resistance to the Cross that is before him. This is not a lack of faith or insecure love. It is the reality of human fear in the presence of pain and suffering that threatens life. Despite all, Jesus goes forward.
Most immediately Jesus seeks to secure the faith of those who believe in him. For the disciples and for us, Jesus is trying to explain a mystery beyond our ability to fully understand. He is building faith and trust against their fears and ours. Jesus will always be near us. Hard things will happen, fear will touch our lives, but Jesus in the power of the Holy Spirit will always be with us.
Love is the foundation and the source. It is not gained or earned. You are in God and God is in you. Speak to Jesus about any fear or uncertainty. Be confident in the presence of the Holy Spirit. In Christ, do not be afraid.
Father John Esper
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