The Holy City Jerusalem
Sixth Sunday Easter C
Acts 15:1-2,22-29; Psalm 67:2-6,8; Revelation 21:10-14,22-23; John 14:23-29
Everything in today’s liturgy of the Word takes place in the city of peace. The decision regarding the law of Moses took place in Jerusalem and it restored peace and unity within the Church. Jesus’ farewell discourse that includes the promise of peace also took place in Jerusalem. Then, the second reading provides us with a vision of the ultimate city of peace that comes down from heaven when all evil is wiped out from the face of the earth (Rev. 20:14) and a new heaven and new earth are finally established (Rev. 21:1).
Paul and Barnabas went up to Jerusalem to resolve a serious crisis in the young Church: is the law of Moses necessary for salvation? (Acts 15:1-2). Under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, Peter gave the correct answer (Acts 15:11). James’ recommendations included in the apostolic letter (Acts 15:29) to the communities in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia were also inspired by the Holy Spirit (Acts 15:28). "But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things" (John 14:26). This promise was fulfilled in Jerusalem (Acts 2:1-11).
The holy city Jerusalem coming down out of heaven from God looks beautiful. This wife of the Lamb is adorned with the glory of God symbolized by the precious jasper; her wedding dress is represented by the city walls with twelve gates and foundations. As a symbol of the Church, she unites in herself the old and new covenants, the patriarchs of the Old Testament, and the apostles of the Lamb (Rev. 21:10-14).
There is no temple in the city. It does not need one, because it is filled with the presence of God and the glorified Christ (see John 2:19). The city does not need the sun or moon either. The task of these heavenly bodies is to mark the seasons (Ps. 104:19) and to separate light from darkness (see Gen. 1:15-18). In the Holy City, it is unnecessary, because we are in the realm of eternity, and darkness symbolized by night will no longer be there either (Rev. 21:25). The glory of God and the light shining from the glorified Christ enlighten the City and its inhabitants.
"If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him and we will come to him and we will stay with him" (John 14:23). In the mystery of the Holy Trinity, the Holy Spirit is that love that binds the Father and the Son together. So, when the Holy Spirit descends upon the Church God comes to us. But this Love (Holy Spirit) also binds the Bride (the Church) with her Beloved (Christ). Just as the Son loves the Father and obeys him, so the Church loves her Bridegroom and obeys Him. And thus God abides with us.
"But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, . . . will remind you of everything I have said to you"(John 14:26). The Gospels contain Jesus’ words and deeds written under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. Addressed to all nations the proclamation of the Good News began from Jerusalem immediately after the descend of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:12-41). This proclamation aims to make all the nations praise God (Ps. 67:4) and its fulfillment will take place in the holy city Jerusalem where the unity of Love shall bind us all together.