Sixth Sunday of Easter

Also Read: Mass Readings for 25 May 2025 Sunday Reflection by Mike – 18 May 2025

“We are an Easter People and Alleluia is our song!”

First Reading: Acts 15: 1-2, 22-29

The Council at Jerusalem

 It seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us not to burden you with anything beyond the following requirements: You are to abstain from food sacrificed to idols, from blood, from the meat of strangled animals and from sexual immorality. You will do well to avoid these things. (28 -29)

We hear from the passage today, that there arose a debate among the faithful about circumcision. Some were saying: “Unless you are circumcised, according to the custom taught by Moses, you cannot be saved.” (v.1) But Paul and Barnabas sharply disagreed with them. They went to Jerusalem along with a few others to get clarity from the Apostles. Hence the 1^st Council of Jerusalem took place! The resolution is passed and a guideline is formulated. We realize that the apostles emphasized the cleanliness of heart and mind over the observation of traditional practices!

We apply this in our lives today and recognize that we need to purge our minds and hearts regularly! We have been blessed with the sacrament of the Reconciliation and Penance. We ought to circumcise our hearts! Let us not be misled or swayed by the voices around us today!

In Jesus’ name, Amen!

Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 67: 2-3, 5, 6 and 8

May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face shine on us—so that your ways may be known on earth, your salvation among all nations.

Alleluia!

Second Reading: Revelation 21: 10-14, 22-23

 I did not see a temple in the city, because the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple. The city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp. (22-23)

In St. John’s beatific vision we see the new heaven and the new earth. We praise God that through the eyes of faith, we are able to imagine this wondrous image too!

We ask the Holy Spirit to guide us as we journey towards our eternal home. In Jesus’ name, Amen!

Alleluia: John 14: 23

Alleluia, Alleluia! Jesus replied, “Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them. Alleluia!

Gospel: John 14: 23-29

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. (27)

We seek the Lord’s peace desperately today, in a world of chaos. Even when our new Pope Leo XIV in his inaugural speech said :” Peace Be With All of You!” he quoted Jesus’ words after his resurrection. Today we pray for our new Pope and ask the Lord God to Guide and protect him always. We ask the Lord for Peace in our world and in our hearts. In Jesus’ name, Amen!

Fifth Sunday of Easter

Also Read: Mass Readings for 18 May 2025 Sunday Reflection by Maryanne – 18 May 2025

“They appointed elders for them”

In the first reading we find the basis for one of the Church’s most important, practical teachings and arguments for its existence: apostolic succession. We have Paul and Barnabbas, themselves not one of the original Twelve Apostles, who are not only doing the work of the Apostles but also extending their presence. As many non-Catholic Christians fail to recognize, this is not just the Holy Spirit selecting Paul and Barnabbas, then empowering them, to preach the Gospel or know a lot about the Bible, but the Holy Spirit empowers them to be the presence of the Twelve, and ultimately the presence of Jesus, to the world. This extends then to those Paul and Barnabbas appoint just like it was extended to them when the Apostles appointed them. 

“the glory of your kingdom” … “God’s dwelling is with the human race”

Though the Psalm was not talking directly about this idea, it applies to the other verses when we consider that God’s presence in humanity, first by Jesus taking on human nature and then by the Holy Spirit literally inspiring the Church, was always the Glory of God’s Kingdom. In the Old Testament, when this Psalm was written, there was a cloud that held God’s presence that descended onto the Ark of the Covenant in the Holy of Holies. Now, God’s presence descended upon the Apostles as Pentecost and is carried by them to the rest of the world. Instead of staying in one place, the Jewish Temple, now it is covering the whole world.

“I will be with you only a little while longer”

It is sometimes very confusing to readers when they see Jesus talk like this. It is a reasonable question to ask why he did not, and does not, just stay and be with us like he was then. This way of thinking does not recognize the more profound presence that Jesus has in the world through the Eucharist and through the Church. Jesus’s Ascension into heaven completed the ultimate act of worship that he made with the offering of his body. God, being pleased with this offering, sent Himself down to earth as tongues of fire, which is carried in the souls of Christians from their baptism onward.

Fifth Sunday of Easter

Also Read: Mass Readings for 18 May 2025 Sunday Reflection by Mike – 18 May 2025

“We are an Easter People and Alleluia is our song!”

First Reading: Acts 14: 21-27

Strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith. “We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God,” they said.

Paul and Barnabas were going on mission from place to place, encouraging the faithful. Even though they were stoned at one place, they just went on ahead to the next place.

Today, where are we called to go on mission? Do we find ‘stoning’ and ‘rejection’ in certain places? How must we act?

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 145: 8-13

The Lord is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love. The Lord is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made. (8-9)

Alleluia, Amen!

Second Reading: Revelation 21: 1-5a

Then I saw “a new heaven and a new earth,” for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. (1-2)

We await the “new heaven and the new earth”!! But have we washed our robes white? What a sight that will be when the Holy City comes down, dressed as a beautiful bride!! But have we purified our eyes to witness this divine splendour?

Let us renew our efforts to wash and purify ourselves! Only if the Father calls us, we merit to return to him! Our cooperation in his divine work of mercy can allow us to be saved!

Amen!

Alleluia: John 13: 34

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.”

Alleluia!

Gospel: John 13: 31-33a, 34-35

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (34-35)

Love is the primary and supreme commandment of the Christian! But can we truly live by the Christian doctrine? May the Lord God send his Holy Spirit on us so that we may at least strive to truly live the Christian faith.

Alleluia!  

Fourth Sunday of Easter

Also Read: Mass Readings for 11 May 2025 Sunday Reflection by Maryanne – 11 May 2025

“[W]e now turn to the Gentiles”

In this scene from the first reading, St. Paul describes the general Christian movement that began within Israel and moved outward to the rest of the world. This is sometimes misunderstood as a kind of plan B. This scene gives that impression like St. Paul, and previously Jesus, only went to the Gentiles because the people they really wanted said no. This is a misunderstanding because it fails to recognize the original plan God had going back to Abraham, which was that the covenant that began locally with him would eventually become a worldwide blessing. This movement from Israel, which included many faithful members like the Blessed Mother, Mary Magdalene, the Apostles and St. Paul, to the rest of the world is the fulfillment of that promise. It might be an alternative in the immediate sense, but from the standpoint of Providence this was always part of the plan.

“We are his people, the sheep of his flock”

Tying this to the first reading, there is an ironic inversion here as this line was originally spoken exclusively by Israel. Now, this line is prayed by more outside ethnic Judaism than inside and will continue to be prayed by the Gentiles into all eternity. It also shows another sheep and shepherd image that was so popular throughout the Old Testament, which is why it was so useful for Jesus’s own ministry. 

“[A] vision of a great multitude, which no one could count, from every nation, race, people, and tongue.”

St. John here is describing exactly what St. Paul and Barnabas were aiming for in the first reading and what God had promised to Abraham all the way back in Genesis. Even though we mark Abraham as the explicit calling out by God, going back to Adam shows us that “humanity,” which is what the name Adam means, has always been the plan. Even when one person, or one group, or one Church, is singled out by God, it is always for the sake of others. This is so those “others” do not remain “others,” but become part of “us,” which is only found in Christ’s Body. 

“My sheep”

So much attention is paid to the sheep when it comes to Good Shepherd Sunday. This is not wrong, but one cannot neglect the “my” that possesses and cares for these sheep. This is why the previous highlights in this reflection are so important. Who exactly are “my sheep” according to Christ. We have ample evidence that it includes those from “every nation, race, people and tongue,” who would be considered “Gentiles” according to those inside the group. These are “his people,” his “flock.” Certainty that we are part of that flock only comes from seeking out those who are considered outside.

Fourth Sunday of Easter

Also Read: Mass Readings for 11 May 2025 Sunday Reflection by Mike – 11 May 2025

“We are an Easter People and Alleluia is our song!”

First Reading: Acts 13: 14, 43-52

Moving on!

As Paul and Barnabas were leaving the synagogue, the people invited them to speak further about these things on the next Sabbath. (42)

For this is what the Lord has commanded us:” ‘I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.’ (47)

So they shook the dust off their feet as a warning to them and went to Iconium. And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit. (51-52)

The congregation listening to Paul and Barnabas in the synagogue were so inspired when Paul and Barnabas were speaking to them that they invited them again! But there are some “Jews” possibly few among them, who begin to turn jealous. The disciples don’t waste much time or energy there, once they realize their words are not welcome there; they literally just follow the Lord’s command, shaking off the dust of their feet and move on! (Mt. 10:14) It is worth noting that the disciples are filled with joy and the Holy Spirit when they act upon the teachings of the Lord! 

It must come as no surprise that acting on the teachings of the Lord, leads us closer to the Holy Spirit and fills us with Joy! Let us bear this in mind going forward! In Jesus’ name, Amen!

Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 100: 1-2, 3, 5

Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. (1)

Alleluia!

Second Reading: Revelation 7: 9, 14b-17

“Called From Every Nation!”

After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. (9)

The description here tells us about how every nation, tribe, people, and language are present before God! They are the ones who received the word of God and responded in free will to accept the truth and right. As Christ said, “many are called few are chosen!” (Mt. 22:14) Not all of those who say “Lord, Lord!” shall enter HIS kingdom! Let us be vigilant and prepare our hearts! In Jesus’ name, Amen!

Alleluia: John 10: 14

Alleluia, Alleluia!

“I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me!”

The Lord knows us and we Know the Lord too! Deep within our hearts the conscience that pricks us sometimes, could well be the voice of the Lord guiding us!

Alleluia!

Gospel: John 10: 27-30

“His Sheep!”

My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand. (29)

The Lord God our Father has destined us to follow Jesus Christ that we may enter His eternal glory! We are privileged and blessed! Unless the Father calls us we wouldn’t be able to follow His son! Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, “Abba, Father.” (Gal 4:6) It is only through the Holy Spirit living in us that we are able to call God our Father and be redeemed by his son Our Lord Jesus Christ.

Therefore, we, the blessed people of God, must not shrink away or become despaired. The Apostles and Jesus Christ too faced jealous people, even with all the wonderful works they performed! There could be a spiritual battle always going on, sometimes we face it profoundly and visibly. Sometimes this battle is invisible and subtle. Let us remain strong in the faith, that “no one can snatch us out of our Father’s hand!” Neither can anyone snatch anything from us, that is truly ours through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen!

Third Sunday of Easter

Also Read: Mass Readings for 04 May 2025 Sunday Reflection by Maryanne – 04 May 2025

“We are witnesses of these things”

This is where every attempt at evangelization must begin. This is the only credibility that the incredible claims of Christianity can boast. Yes, one can show how Christianity “makes sense” or that sociological data shows faith makes one happy, but these do not hold the same convincing power that one’s witness does. When someone that you trust can say with confidence, “I tried it and it works!” you begin to reconsider. This is what made the apostles so powerful to those who were seeking Christ and what made them so dangerous to those who were trying to suppress Christ. 

“Forever will I give you thanks”

This line from today’s Psalm is one of the best foundations to giving witness. Giving thanks, even in times of hardship, will catch other people’s attention because it is so difficult. It is relatively easy to just endure hardship, but to give thanks. This is when your life appears inspired by something greater than yourself. This Psalm, fittingly, also has strong resurrection language that would have resonated with the early Church during their own time of persecution. Ultimately, it is when one remembers the Resurrection of Jesus, and the hope of our own resurrection, that one can continue to give thanks even in the hardships of life.

“Revealed”

The Gospel passage uses this word three times in short succession when describing Jesus speaking with his Apostles. Revelation is an important concept in Christian theology because it shows the necessity of God and faith when participating in the formation of theology. Christian theology is not primarily a ground-up project with us doing the foundational work. It is top-down. God reveals certain essential truths and it is up to humanity to cooperate with them to understand those truths more deeply and more fully. This chronologically begins with the revelation by God in the Old Testament, but principally begins with the fullness of revelation in the Incarnation of Jesus. The Church has been cooperating with God to unfold this revelation for the past two-thousand years.

Third Sunday of Easter

Also Read: Mass Readings for 04 May 2025 Sunday Reflection by Mike – 04 May 2025

“We are an Easter People and Alleluia is our song!”

First Reading: Acts 5: 27-32, 40b-41

The Sanhedrin

Peter and the other apostles replied: ‘We must obey God rather than human beings! (29)

St. Peter our first Pope speaks to the Sanhedrin with such boldness and clarity. Today, in our daily lives we might be called to witness by our actions and words! We may not face a Sanhedrin, but we do face minion versions of the same! There could be a spiritual battle going on, and often it is our thoughts that get attacked with negativity. Sometimes, it could be the words of those around us that sting us but as St. Peter points out here, we must not listen to those words; mostly they are not true!

We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.’ (32)

The Holy Spirit can only instruct the hearts that are open to him in humbleness! The more we obey the voice of the Holy Spirit, the more we will be able to hear him guide us in the path of righteousness!

The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name. (41)

The apostles being the very first witnesses of the faith display remarkable courage and while being scourged find it their privilege! We can marvel about their faith but we also need to bear witness in our lives in the daily struggles we may face! Even in difficult situations we are called to remain peaceful because we trust in the Lord.

In Jesus’ name, Amen!

Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 30: 2 and 4, 5-6, 11-12, 13

You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, that my heart may sing your praises and not be silent. Lord my God, I will praise you forever. (11-12)

Alleluia, Amen!

Second Reading: Revelation 5: 11-14

The Angelic Guard!

Then I looked and heard the voice of many angels, numbering thousands upon thousands, and ten thousand times ten thousand. They encircled the throne and the living creatures and the elders. (11)

The angelic hosts in heaven before God are uncountable! The angels also guard and protect us in many ways today! Let us maintain a special devotion to our own Guardian Angel too!

Amen!

Gospel: John 21: 1-19

Peter Reinstated!

When they landed, they saw a fire of burning coals there with fish on it, and some bread. (9)

In asking Peter three times, Christ Jesus reinstates him as the head of his church; undoing his denial! But another detail is given, which says as they landed, they already found a charcoal burning, fish on it, and bread! Where did this meal come from? Christ Jesus had already provided a meal for them – Just like our eternal banquet with the Lord!

In Jesus’ name, Amen!