The readings for Easter 6 are taken from Acts 16:9-15; Revelation 21:9-14, 21-27; and John 16:23-33.
Acts records how the Holy Spirit directed Paul and his companions to Philippi in Macedonia where Lydia and others were meeting devoutly and waiting to hear the good message (like those who met in Jerusalem for Pentecost in Acts 2, like the Samaritans in Acts 8, and like Cornelius in Acts 10). God’s work and Word open hearts to hear His good message, and the sacrament of baptism confirms God’s promises. Gratitude inspired Lydia to urge Paul and his companions to stay with her, much like the disciples on the road to Emmaus urged Jesus to stay with them. We love because He first loved us. Whoever is forgiven much, loves much.
In Revelation John sees the fulfilment of what began with the incarnation of Jesus and what is recorded in Acts as the kingdom of God comes to more and more people. Our lives come from God and depend on God being in the midst of us—the way the sun is the center of our universe. Each one of us has God’s Spirit dwelling in us; that makes us a family and a city where God dwells (literally “tabernacles among us,” as God was in the tabernacle (tent) in the middle of the encampment of Israel after the Exodus). The sacraments provide constant and enduring evidence that our names have been and remain written in the book of life.
John’s Gospel is still recording what Jesus said to the apostles in the upper room on Thursday evening before He was crucified (John 13—17). Jesus has reconciled us to God our Father by regenerating our souls in His own image. “Asking the Father in His name” is referring to a life in communion with God, listening to God and praying to God who loves us and fills our life with joy inexhaustible. The joy that comes from God’s redeeming work in our life is powerful and enduring; it brings peace (a calm and spacious place) in the midst of the tribulation we meet as God brings us through and out of this world into His kingdom.