WEEKLY REFLECTION

How often have you heard, or perhaps you have said it yourself, "There is nothing new under the sun”? The Readings for the Fifth Sunday of Easter would not agree with that. In addition, they tell us that we often have to struggle to do something new or to get a new project started; but with the Grace of God, and if it is His will, it will get done.

The First Reading is from the Acts of the Apostles (14:21…). At first, this passage sounds like a travel log; but it tells us of the struggles and effort that Paul and Barnabas faced and overcame in getting several small church-communities started. Their preaching reflected their own hardships when they talked about the "the kingdom of God" for this was a new concept to the Gentiles. However, their efforts bore fruit and by the Grace of God many were converted to the faith. Sometimes we might struggle with some aspect of our faith, but we should not try to resolve it by our own efforts. Take it into prayer and ask God to give you the Grace to understand and accept.

The Second Reading is taken from the Book of Revelation (21:1..). The visions of the writer, John, are visions of the future in heaven for those who accept Christ and struggled through this life by the Grace of God and the direction of the Holy Spirit. The Book of Revelation is not about “gloom and doom” in this world as much as it is a message of encouragement to persevere through the struggles of this world faithfully because the kingdom of God, the “New Jerusalem” that awaits us, is far greater and will last forever.

The Gospel Reading is from the Gospel of John (13:31…). The “hour has come,” and Jesus is about to undergo His Passion and Death. This was His mission and His destiny. By fulfilling it, He would give Glory to His Father who sent Him; and by fulfilling His mission, the Father would also be glorified. Some people mistakenly see this as an angry father sending his son to die because mankind sinned. This is not the case. Mankind's sin caused a breach between God and His creation that could only be healed by a divine offering that only God could give. So, out of His divine love, the Father sent His Son to be that divine offering. The Resurrection is a sign of the Father's approval and acceptance. This is the greatest gift of LOVE that could be given. Therefore, Jesus commands us to imitate the Father's love by giving us a "new commandment” to love one another.

Reflections courtesy of Evengeli.net.