Sixth Sunday of Easter
The responsorial psalm this Sunday comes from that deeply thought provocative 67th Psalm. There, the psalmist petitions God for blessings but already gives thanks for blessings. He asks God to be gracious and bless us. In the same psalm He invites the nations to be glad and shout for joy [for God has blessed us, verse 7]!
This tension between what God has already done and what we are praying for is indeed visible in many ways. The Apostles in the first reading who have already been given the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, are grappling with matters that are of the older order. Is it not true that sometimes we as human beings are confronted with the same old problems? The more things change, the more they remain the same, as the saying goes.
Today is Africa Day. In 1963, African leaders were, like the Psalmist asking God to bless us. Today, 63 years later, we are still asking God to be gracious and bless Africa. Mungu Ibariki Africa, Nkosi sikelel’ iAfrika is still the prayer of various nations in Africa, the same old prayer.
Africa in different parts is under the scourge of destructive conflict. The people of South Sudan and the Congo have lost their voices in desperate prayer for to be gracious and bless [us] them. The nations from parts of Africa where violent crimes and corruption have clutched with what seems to be a perpetual grip are still praying with hoarse voices saying; “O God be gracious and bless us”. Mungu Ibariki Africa, Nkosi sikelel’ iAfrika.
But God has blessed us. He guides the nations on earth. Africa has natural resources in abundance. Africa has the youngest population, therefore, talent and workforce in comparison to the rest of the globe. God, our God has blessed us. Perhaps we need to think about the part that speaks of God’s guidance. Do we allow ourselves to be guided by God in Africa?
The second reading from the book of Apocalypse refers to a city coming down from heaven. The city that comes from God and brings the glory of God has inscriptions on gates and foundations. There seems to be a need to read and learn suggested here. This new reality coming to change the old comes to those with an appetite to learn. It is a reality that brings enlightenment. The light comes with a temple and a lamp.
Perhaps the blessing that Africa seeks will be brought about by religion. I wonder if inter-religious dialogue is not going to be the solution? I wonder if the disciples of the Lamb are not going to be the ‘lamp’ as we
continue inspire gladness and joy in the African continent? I am however convinced that the presence of God as the source of true peace.
In the Gospel, Jesus addresses a disillusioned community. Judas Iscariot has already left, it was already “night” (Jn 13:30). Peter is already told that he was to deny Jesus (Jn 13:38). This of course in the Gospel of John takes place within the broader context of the Last Supper highlighted in the washing of feet. Those who have been shown the key to being disciples, service, are still making and are going to make stupid choices.
However, the gift is given nonetheless. Dear friends the gift has been and continues to be given. Peace [Shalom], for Jesus is a gift of salvation, the bounty of messianic blessing. Salaamaleikum, peace be upon you, is a known greeting in some parts of Africa learned from those of Islamic background. Shikamoo, ‘I touch your feet’ or ‘I am under your feet’ is another way of greeting in Kiswahili. Perhaps true peace is attained when we are willing to wash each other’s feet. Do you remember the late Pope Francis kissing the feet of the African leader Salva Kiir of South Sudan?
Unfortunately, peace in many parts of Africa and the world is just an interval between wars. The gift that is given by Jesus is lasting peace, not intervals of ceasefire as it is being experienced in many parts of Africa and the world.
Inner and global peace is achieved through deep synchrony, harmony, with the Holy Spirit. The choice of the word synchrony is very intentional. It means ‘happening at the same’, even bringing ourselves into the same time zone with the Holy Spirit. That is not easy. It means patience and sometimes the overcoming of what has become one’s “normal”. The primary Church in the first reading had to do this in the debate on circumcision. Eventually, it was what “seemed” good to the Holy Spirit and to [us].
The gift is given with the promise of the Paraclete, the One called to be by our side. The Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit will not just teach those with the appetite for learning but will also bring to remembrance the things that have been forgotten by the amnesiacs. Perhaps he can remind us of the great peace brokers of the African continent; the Madibas and Mwalimus, the Tutus and the Chibwechitedzas or Mafukufukus of the continent. May the Holy Spirit remind us of the wealth of mineral and human resource abundance that we have in Africa and perhaps teach us how to use them wisely so that all our nations can be glad and shout
for joy.
I would like to challenge us to come to the table as Africans and indeed as citizens of the world. Perhaps we can say Shikamoo… I am at your service. Maybe we can also adopt the Oval Office approach of turning on the [sound] system, perhaps for a better intention and ambiance. We could play the song by Chaka Khan; “Eye to eye” [with the Holy Spirit]. The song has the following words as part of the lyrics.. “Eye to eye, a look says everything- Eye to eye, so close, so far away.”
Happy Africa Day, Peace be with you.