The Homily today reflected on pruning us spiritually to draw a deeper connection to Christ. Often times this same Homily is used to say that Christ will cut off, or throw away those that aren't up to standard. However, Father Rizner pointed out that the reference to pruning is more like that of nurturing as no matter how good, bad, or indifferent you are God loves you better than anyone will or can imagine. Even the most unlovable person is loved by God. You cannot do anything to make God stop loving you. This is a real hard idea to ponder for our minds as we want to make God in our image, and want God to have our thought process. The Gospel reading today St. John 14:15-21 reflects on Jesus advising an Advocate will be coming and abiding forever with they that follow Him. We know that this is leading up to Pentecost Sunday and this Advocate is the Holy Spirit. So, to tie together the Gospel and the Homily, begin to reflect on the love of God. He gave us his only begotten Son, our Savior Jesus Christ, who was crucified, died, was buried, and on the third day rose again. We are an Easter people and we celebrate the infinite love, grace, and compassion God has for us. Father Rizner concluded the Homily by reminding us that God's embrace is wider than we can imagine. God is not keeping count of all our faults to hold them against us, but instead is a loving Father looking upon his children. Embrace your neighbors beloved as true brothers and sister as they are God's children to. God's Peace. (First Reading Acts 17:22-31, Second Reading I Peter 3:13-22, & Gospel St. John 14:15-21, Psalm 66:7-18)
