Loving and seeing as God would. 05/25/25. Chima Offurum

Today’s celebration comes with a small but meaningful shift. In the U.S., the Solemnity of the Ascension is transferred from Thursday to Sunday, which slightly adjusts our readings, particularly the second reading and gospel, so we align with the liturgy for the Seventh Sunday of Easter. That change is more than a liturgical tweak; it’s a gentle reminder that we’re approaching the end of the Easter season, which officially closes on Pentecost Sunday, just two weeks from now. What a journey it has been! So much has unfolded in our personal and communal lives, and today, we pause to glorify God for who we are, what we’ve received, and where He’s leading us.
In the first reading, something really struck me, a lesson that hits close to home. Paul and Barnabas were joyfully bringing Gentiles into the faith, but not everyone was happy about it. Some Jews opposed this inclusion and tried to impose unnecessary burdens. Their disapproval led to the First Church Ecumenical Council in Jerusalem. What’s remarkable is how Paul and Barnabas responded with love, clarity, and a deep sense of justice. It makes me wonder: Are there times when we, too, become gatekeepers of grace, placing conditions on others or resenting the blessings they receive? Have we ever found ourselves saddened by the joy or progress of another?
This reading challenges us to self-reflect and engage in honest dialogue. If I’ve been given a position of influence in my family, church, or workplace, am I using it to uplift others, or am I unknowingly laying burdens on them? Now is the time to let go of that spirit of envy or control and embrace the freedom of Christ’s love. As we near Pentecost, let us renew our hearts, repent from anything that separates us from community, and recommit to the love we’re called to embody. The early Church faced real challenges but grew stronger through compassion, truth, and shared purpose. May we do the same: to love with the Heart of God and see with His compassion.