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!
