Fifth Sunday of Easter
Also Read: Mass Readings for 07 May 2023
First Reading: Acts 6: 1-7
And the twelve called together the whole community of the disciples and said, “It is not right that we should neglect the word of God in order to wait on tables. (2)
The early Christians too had their share of debates but it is the apostles who brought about an amicable solution. The apostles were clear about their own mission and were able to direct the congregation accordingly. We learn many lessons today, like: there is room for making your voice heard while working towards one mission; we can find a fair path. However, above all, there needs to be clarity in our thoughts and plans. All of this is possible when the Holy Spirit is our constant counsellor because we need discernment in our decision-making. Only by making a conscious effort to yield to the Holy Spirit will we be able to progress on this path.
Each one of us has a unique assignment even as we journey on the one mission of spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ. “The very differences which the Lord has willed to put between the members of his body serve its unity and mission. For “in the Church there is diversity of ministry but unity of mission…” (CCC 873, 814)
Let us work on our God-given talents and stay true to our calling. Let us humble ourselves and yield to the Holy Spirit, each time he disciplines us. Amen!
Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 33: 1-2, 4-5, 18-19
Truly the eye of the Lord is on those who fear him, on those who hope in his steadfast love, to deliver their soul from death, and to keep them alive in famine. (18-19)
Amen!
Second Reading: First Peter 2: 4-9
Like living stones, let yourselves be built into a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. (5)
St. Peter is the rock on which Christ built his Church (Mt.16:18) and he is asking us to be “living stones”! We are to offer “spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God”. In our unique roles, we ought to be living stones of faith. Not soft, soggy mud, but stones with the ability to brace against vile attacks or torrential floods. Because we “are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s own people, in order that we may proclaim the mighty acts of him who called us out of darkness into his marvelous light.”
Amen!
Gospel: John 14: 1-12
“Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me.” (1)
Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. (6)
Jesus Christ assures us of himself! He is with us always even until the end of age. (Mt. 28:19-20)
So let us rejoice on our way in Christ, Amen!
