The Fifth Sunday of Easter - May 18, 2025 (Year C)

Two phrases bookend this weeks' reading for me and I want to focus on those today.  In the First Reading, we see Paul and Barnabas successfully spreading the Gospel.  And, stuck in between the accomplishments, they say a phrase that stuck with me: "It is necessary for us to undergo many hardships to enter the kingdom of God."  Let that sink in for a moment.  It is easy for us in modern times to distance ourselves from the trials and persecution that those of the early church faced as part of their daily lives.  But we are blind if we do not see the distractions and temptations of this "modern" eras as hardships hindering our entry into God's kingdom.  These isolate us and drive communities apart.  But where do we find the courage to endure in spite of the obstacles in our way?

Well, that brings me to the second phrase from this week.  In the Gospel, Jesus is telling of God's Glory both expressed through and shared with Him, in fulfillment of all that had been promised throughout the ages by the prophets.  Jesus states that His time with them is coming to an end, but impresses the importance of Love on them.  And therein is the second phrase: "As I have loved you, so should you love one another."  This is the source of our strength.  We must look to Jesus, to Love as He Loved, forgiving any denials, transgressions, accusations, and even the death pressed upon Him.  How can we fall into any of the trappings set before us if we keep Jesus at the forefront of our mind in all that we face.  We must remember His strength of will throughout, from being tempted by the devil to enduring His Passion.

So as we struggle with life and with our faith, know that Love is the reason that we push on.  Love of God, Love of family, Love of community. 

Disclaimer: This will be at the bottom of all reflections, but I’m not intending to put out any sort of professional critique, attempt at a homily, or investigation into the historicity of the readings, but will “let the Spirit move me” as some say, to share what has spoken to me in my reading and reflection on the set of Readings for each week.  

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