SEVENTH SUNDAY OF EASTER

READINGS AT MASS

Acts 7:55-60

Psalm 97

Revelations 22:12-14,16-17, 20

John 17:20-26

Theme: EYES ON THE PRIZE

Dear friends in Christ, N'wokafu YESU KRISTO...

The passion, death, resurrection and ascension of Jesus Christ promises something (a prize) that this world can neither give nor take away: the assurance of Heaven. It is the assurance that we shall be satisfied with the Glory of God at the end of this age. To share in Christ's Glory in heaven is our ultimate prize.

Heaven signifies the hope of glory that lies above and beyond  this present world. Unfortunately, the expectation of heaven has become abstract as many, including some Christians, doubt its reality and existence. The world is gradually taking its eyes completely off the prize. The loud voice of the enemy, in the difficult times of life, continues to diminish our hope and righteous course of faith.

A Christian is called to keep the prize ever present in his mind. The prize will serve as a reminder and encouragement to us in the course of 'the fight'.

Stephen, in the first reading, kept his eyes on the prize even in the face of persecution and iminent death. His gaze went above and beyond the fury and rage of his enemies to the glory that lay ahead. (Rom 8:18) It is wonderful to note that his last words, like those of Jesus, were not words of desparation but faith, hope and love.

Like Stephen and Jesus, we are to raise our heads to heaven and keep our eyes fixed on the glory of God, our prize. We are not to let the world prevent us from seeing the Son of Man standing in glory. When we can no longer see the hope of glory that lies beyond this present suffering, we begin to loose faith, and tend to focus on this temporary world with its vain glories.

The song writer says:

'Yes, Heaven is the prize;

My soul shall strive to gain;

One glimpse of Paradise,

Repays a life of pain'

-Catholic Hymnal 212

PRAYER

Lord Jesus Christ, in the midst of so much suffering in this world, may we keep our focus on the price which is heaven. Amen.

May God bless you.

-Rev. Fr. Kenneth Debre

Sunday, June 1, 2025.

Holy Rosary Parish, Hohoe.