Father Andrjez Wyrostek
Homily from the Televised Mass, NewsCenter1
Sixth Sunday of Easter, May 14, 2023

My dear friends, we are approaching the end of our Easter season. And before we know it, like the apostles, we will continue on the journey through the part of the year that we call ordinary. But before we approach that moment, we reflect a little bit on what the Gospel brings to our attention.

Jesus is leaving. The disciples are a little bit concerned what is going to happen and yet Jesus tells them be not afraid. If you love me, you will be at peace. And this is how you will love me: you will know my commandments and you follow them. 

Something that we cherish dearly in our Catholic Tradition, is the Tradition itself. The tradition with the capital T. A Tradition that reminds us that there is rituals and movements in the life of the church that remind us constantly of the existence of God, of the presence of Christ, of the movement of the Holy Spirit that stirs up our hearts and souls.  Even if it means to ask a simple question: God, who are you? God, who am I as I think about you? And some of those things come to mind as far as the teaching of Christ, and as his moments of joy, reassurance. 

Tradition in our Catholic church calls us and reminds us every time we celebrate sacraments. Every time we celebrate this very holy Eucharist, we follow different rituals and rights and movements. All of that so that we can remember God is with us. 

Jesus Christ is present whether  physically in the Eucharist or spiritually in the wisdom of the church. That allows us to search for God. To find him. And when we find Christ, to follow in his footsteps through the commandment of love.