By Msgr. Joseph Prior • Posted May 8, 2026

(See the readings for the Sixth Sunday of Easter)

“Liftoff,” the announcer said, “we have liftoff.” The historic Artemis II flight to the moon had us and people all over the world captivated by the astronauts’ journey into the unknown. The flight last month was the farthest human beings had ever gone and to a place we had never gone before, the far side of the moon.

The journey may recall the much earlier expeditions by those of the wandering peoples as they found and settled in new lands, or the voyages of seafaring Europeans heading across the ocean to find the Americas.

The travels were guided by whatever instruments were available. Land travelers used stories told of earlier times. Explorers of the late Middle Ages used the stars and details recorded in books called “portolani.” These books would provide information about coastal landmarks, safe seaways through perilous waters and approximate distances measured in time. Now computers, navigational instruments and a vast ground crew support explorers of today. All these help the voyagers safely reach their goal, their destination.

Life is often described as a journey. Each day is new, a journey into the unknown. This image might seem distant these days with our perhaps over-scheduled routines, but it is real nonetheless. Each day is a gift, something new.

On waking we are grateful for the new day, and the gift of life. We may have the day planned but we don’t know exactly what will unfold as we make our journey. Perhaps we will meet a new friend. Perhaps we will reach a goal. Perhaps we will receive a consolation. Perhaps we will be able to help someone. Perhaps we will gain a new insight. Perhaps we will face a new challenge. Perhaps we will face an unwanted diagnosis. Perhaps we will face loss. Regardless of the situations, many are unknown and even unforeseen. It’s a new day.

Explorers use information and instruments to help navigate their journeys. On our journey, we have a guide, the living author of life. Jesus is the One, sent from the Father, to reveal the way through life to Life. He not only taught in the past but teaches today. He not only preached but preaches. He not only healed but heals. He not only died but is risen.

In this Sunday’s Gospel passage from John, Jesus refers to His journey to the Father saying: “In a little while the world will no longer see me.” He adds: “but you will see me, because I live and you will live.” His compassion and love are clear as he says: “I will not leave you orphans, I will come to you.”

He comes to us to lead us to Life. He does this through the Spirit which unites us to Him and the Father: “On that day you will realize that I am in my Father and you are in me and I in you.” Jesus continues to be present to us through the Spirit. He continues to lead us and guide us through each new day.

In two weeks, we will celebrate the gift of the Spirit at Pentecost. Since Easter we have been hearing from Acts of the Apostles in the first reading at Masses. In these readings, we see the effects of the Spirit in the life of the Church, the apostles and the faithful. Through the Spirit, the apostles joyfully proclaim the Lord’s death and resurrection. Through the Spirit, they offer the invitation to life and baptize. Through the Spirit, they courageously face suffering. Through the Spirt they build a communion of love and peace.

In Sunday’s passage we hear the Spirit leading Phillip to proclaim the Gospel in Samaria. When the Samaritans accept the Word, Peter and John go so that they might share in the same Spirit through the laying on of hands. Jesus remains with them through the gift of the Spirit, alive in the hearts of all the baptized, walking with them each day. It is through the Spirit that Jesus remains present to us, leading and guiding us through each new day.

Life is often described as a journey. Each day is a venture into something new. Each new day provides an opportunity for thanksgiving and praise, for love and mercy, for compassion and kindness. While each new day has its challenges and maybe even fears, it also holds the promise of great rewards and gifts. Jesus is our sure and reliable guide through each day. Through the Spirit He leads, guides and directs our movement so we can safely, securely and confidently reach our goal.

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Msgr. Joseph Prior is pastor of Our Lady of Grace Parish in Penndel and a former professor of Sacred Scripture and rector of St. Charles Borromeo Seminary. Read more reflections by Msgr. Prior here.