Date: May 29, 2020 ()

Bible Text: First Reading: ACTS 25:13B-21; Gospel: JN 21:15-19 |

Series:

Let us incline our hearts toward where the Holy Spirit blows. His help will always make us fruitful.

It’s not at all a bad idea that Paul had to be sent to the Emperor. It’s rather a providence; a work of the Holy Spirit through which Paul would be able to get the whole Empire’s attention and eventually introduce Jesus, the Christ, to the wider world, Rome. Even the temple officials’ resistance to faith created a controversy that sowed inquisitiveness among the peoples; making the news of the resurrection even more an interesting trend in their time. We do not know how God works. But His works are amazing. He can create prominence and greatness out of His servants’ simplicity and humble obedience.

Today, we honor Pope St. Paul VI, who led the church in the year 1963 to 1978, to continue Pope John the 23rd’ s Second Vatican Council. Many were caught by surprise at the enthusiasm of this simple old pope, John the 23rd, who was least expected to lead the church at one of its most defining moments. I’d like to believe, as in the past, it’s the work of the Holy Spirit. Vatican II reinvigorated the church as it opens and dialogues with the world. John XXIII said that it was time to "open the windows [of the Church] and let in some fresh air". In reality, it’s the same church; it’s the same truth proclaimed; yet new in its expression.

Pope Paul VI, being a proponent of the Vatican reform, exercised his Supreme Magisterium favoring peace, promoting the progress of peoples and the inculturation of the faith, as well as the liturgical reform… wherein nearly all of the Ritual for the Roman Rite was reformed with the purpose of promoting the active participation of the faithful in the Liturgy. He also espoused a simpler form of papal celebrations.

We are a church for over two thousand years now, but we could only wonder how it remains significant in this ever-modernizing world. Indeed, Vatican II is a significant breakthrough in the life of the church. Pope Paul VI was one of the key figures who, following the promptings of the Holy Spirit, guided the church through as it ventures to the modern world. Let us incline our hearts toward where the Holy Spirit blows. His help will always make us fruitful.