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 -  The Word - 

Sixth Sunday of Easter
A Family is Not run by a Rule Book

When Richard, one of my classmates, spoke about his eldest sister, who had brought him up, his face would light up with tenderness and joy. His tone of voice changed; it became warm and alive. “ I can't think of something more enjoyable,” he said, “ than being with my sister and doing things for her”. I'd be happy to make any sacrifices for her. She has done so much for me”.
No set of rules, however elaborate, could made Richard do half as much as he is willing to do for his sister. The reason is simple and strong; love experienced, love eager to give itself. In such a setting, legal prescription would sound so meaningless. Love gives - and gives cheerfully - far more than what law can impose or demand.

Richard's readiness to do all he can, is a picture of what the first Christians (or at least the best among them) felt called to do for Christ. They wanted to do the best for God. The doubt was; would the best be achieved by imposing on the Gentile (i.e., non-Jewish) converts, all the legal prescriptions binding on Jews? After discussion and prayer, the Church leaders came to this striking conclusion: “It has been decided by the Holy Spirit and by ourselves not to saddle you with any burden beyond these essentials...”
Would not such an apparently “permissive” attitude lead to confusion and immorality? Isn't it more realistic to curb human malice and fickleness, with precise rules and punishment?
The answer would be “Yes” in a jail, a resounding “No”, among loved ones.

For where there is love, there is a spirit stronger than the letter of the law. Love leads us to give far more than what threats can accomplish. It is true that the egoist and the crook will take advantage of such a situation, and do only the minimum. But God apparently is more thrilled at the cheerful gifts given in love (even if they are few) rather than at conformity, procured through threats and punishments.

Is it, then, a matter of a weak appeal to generosity? Won't selfishness win, and win very easily? Aren't angry, fire-breathing reformers more realistic?

The answer is God's greatest gift to the Church and to each of us: the Holy Spirit. God's own spirit floods our narrow hearts and makes them capable of forgiveness and self-gift. We shall come to Him and make our home with Him. “The Holy Spirit whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything." Without this inner guide, all appeal to human goodness would largely be empty rhetoric, not very different from politicians’ exhortations to love the country. But if God truly dwells among us, if His love can transform our hearts, then we can live by a “rule” more powerful than all other rules - the readiness to be led by God's love. This is what the Spirit achieves in us, for us. The Spirit, God's best gift, makes us into lovers of God. We leave legalism behind, not to escape into a childish dream-world, but to respond to Love, with Love. That, in a nutshell, is what our Christian life is supposed to be. Utopian and impractical? Not if we let the Spirit guide us.

Readings: Acts 15:1 2, 22 29; Apocalypse 21:10 14, 22 23; John 14:23 29.

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