Fourth Sunday after Easter

Fourth Sunday after Easter

To-day's liturgy exalts the justice of God which is shown forth by our Lord's triumph, and by the sending of the Holy Ghost. "The right hand of the Lord hath wrought strength" in raising Christ from the dead (Alleluia) and in causing Him to go into heaven on the day of His ascension. It is expedient for us that Jesus should leave the earth, for from heaven He will send to His Church the Spirit of truth (Gospel), that best gift which comes from the Father of lights.

The Holy Ghost will teach us all truth (Gospel, Offertory, Secret), He will "show us" whatever our Lord tells Him, and in receiving this word of life we shall be saved (Epistle). The Holy Ghost will reveal to us the wonderful things which God hath wrought for His Son and this testimony of signal justice done to our Lord, will console our souls and uphold us in the midst of persecutions And since, according to St James, "the trying" of our faith worketh patience which drives away inconstancy and makes perfect our good deeds (First nocturn), so "let us imitate the patience of our God and Father" (Second nocturn) in whom "there is no change or shadow of alteration" (Epistle), and then our hearts will be "set where true joys are to be found".

On the other hand, the Holy Ghost will also convince Satan and the world of the sin they committed in delivering Jesus Christ to death (Gospel, Communion), and in continuing to persecute Him in His Church.

Cantate Domino canticum novum, alleluia: quia mirabilia fecit Dominus, alleluia: ante conspectum gentium revelavit justitiam suam, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia. * Salvabit sibi dextera ejus: et brachium sanctum ejus.
Sing ye to the Lord a new canticle, alleluia, for the Lord hath done wonderful things, alleluia: He hath revealed His justice in the sight of the Gentiles, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, * His right hand, and His holy arm, hath gotten Him salvation.
(Psalm 97:1-2 from the Introit of Mass)

Deus, qui fidelium mentes unius efficis voluntatis, da populis tuis id amare quod praecipis, id desiderare quod promittis: ut inter mundanas varietates ibi nostra fixa sint corda, ubi vera sunt gaudia.
O God, who makest the minds of the faithful to be of one will, grant to Thy people to love that which Thou commandest and desire that which Thou dost promise; that so, among the changing things of this world, our hearts may be set where true joys are to be found.
(Collect)

Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. John.
At that time Jesus said to His disciples: I go to Him that sent Me; and none of you asketh Me: Whither goest Thou? But because I have spoken these things to you, sorrow hath filled your heart. But I tell you the truth: it is expedient to you that I go; for if I go not, the Paraclete will not come to you: but if I go, I will send Him to you. And when He is come, He will convince the world of sin, and of justice and of judg­ment. Of sin, because they believed not in Me; and of justice, because I go to the Father, and you shall see Me no longer; and of judgment, because the prince of this world is already judged. I have yet many things to say to you: but you cannot bear them now. But when He, the Spirit of . truth, is come, He will teach you all truth. For He shall not speak of Himself: but what things soever He shall hear He shall speak, and the things that are to come He shall show you. He shall glorify Me: because He shall receive of Mine and shall show it to you.