Social Distancing - Homily 6th Sunday of Easter

In the Acts of the Apostles is the story of Philip. This was not Philip the Apostle; this was Philip the Evangelist. This Philip was the Deacon.

In the first part of chapter 8 of Acts, we are reminded of the stoning of Stephen, the first martyr, and the severe persecution of the Church in Jerusalem. The Christians were scattered throughout the countryside of Judea and Samaria. 

As the early Christians practiced social distancing, the apostles remained in Jerusalem.

This was at the time Saul was trying to destroy the church by entering house after house; dragging out men and women to put in prison.

Yet, even those escaping persecution shared the Gospel wherever they went. Philip went to city of Samaria and proclaimed the Messiah.

When the people heard Philip, they paid attention to his words and signs. Unclean spirits were cast out and people were cured.

Philip introduced the people of Samaria to the way of Jesus. It was a way of living, loving, and relating to one another new to them. Philip baptized them in the name of Jesus. There was great joy in the City of Samaria.

Philip shared the way of Jesus, a relationship built through Christ Jesus to God.  

And, Jesus teaches there is one more person in this relationship.  “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.  And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate to be with you always, the Spirit of truth…”

When the apostles heard the good work done by Philip, they sent Peter and John to pray for them, because they had not yet received the Holy Spirit. Philip only baptized them in the name of the Lord Jesus. Peter and John laid hands on them and they received the Holy Spirit.

This is about relationship. Philip teaching relationship in the way of Jesus: living, loving and relating to one another differently than the world teaches.  Jesus teaches us the relationship of the Holy Trinity. It is the most divine relationship of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. It is the most precise loving, living relationship there is.

God is relationship. The way of Jesus is living, loving and relating on earth as it is in Heaven, in God.

Think about relationships. The people we tend to love are not just the people who loved us, but people who loved what we love and care about what we care about. It makes love easy, natural, and life-giving.

One place to find this place in others is the common need most people have for hope. The result of hope is joy.

Always be ready to give an explanation to anyone who asks you for a reason for your hope and do it with gentleness and reverence.

This is the secret of sharing the Gospel. It is the way Philip spoke. Pursued and persecuted for his faith in Jesus Christ, Philip had hope and shared why he had hope. The people were filled with joy.

Here we sit, a few inside the Church, wearing mask, practicing social distancing, and sanitizing our hands. Some are outside in cars watching on Facebook coming for communion. Some are home watching and will share a spiritual communion.

We have one thing in common: hope. The reason for hope as believers is Christ in our hearts. Today, the world is looking for hope. To have a relationship with God, the Holy Trinity through Jesus Christ is the promise of hope. The result of hope is joy

Even as we practice social distancing don’t forget your relationship with God. Don’t forget the living and loving relationship we have with others.

Be good, be holy, and preach the Gospel by the way you live your lives and love one another. Amen.