5th Sunday of Easter
18 May 2025
Lectionary Readings: Acts 14:21-27; Ps. 145:8-13; Rev 21:1-5a; John 13:31-33a, 34-35
Theme: Today, I Make All Things New
In our first reading from Acts, Paul and Barnabas risk their lives by proclaiming the Good News of Christ to the people of Lystra, Icononium, and Antioch in Syria. Their message was clear, “They did not sugarcoat the calling to follow Jesus but named the reality of hardship and struggle, ever-present in the face of resistance and danger” (p. 90). At one point, Paul was even stoned and thought to be dead. Despite the persecutions they faced, many became disciples. Even the Gentiles were encouraged to be open and welcomed into the faith in Jesus.
It was not easy for some people to hear or accept this new teaching. Yet, in the ancient Psalm 145, the psalmist reminds us that the Lord is “gracious and merciful, slow to anger and of great kindness” (v. 8). The Jewish listeners were reminded that God’s Kingdom is eternal and endures through all generations.
In the face of persecutions, Revelation offers hope through symbols and imagery, envisioning Christ’s ultimate victory. It also depicts a new heaven and a new earth—a new Jerusalem where God dwells with His people, wipes away all tears, and abolishes death forever. All things will be made new! This is a deeply personal and comforting image. God’s people are called to listen carefully to this promise of new life—a promise that continues even to today.
The Gospel of John returns to the time before Easter, when Jesus shares his last meal with the apostles. After Judas departs, Jesus gives them a new commandment: Love one another. He speaks of glorification (doxazo) five times in two verses, connecting with the Pentateuch, to reveal his enduring love for his own (13:1). He expresses deep affection for his friends and tells them that the true sign of their discipleship will be how they love one another—this will indeed give glory to God!
Today, in a time marked by great upheaval, conflict, and widespread suffering, this message is more urgent than ever. We are called to listen, to reach out to those most in need, to embrace the marginalized—the least of these—in our neighborhoods, towns, nations, and regions which experience great suffering. They need our prayers, our solidarity, and our support in the pursuit of life, health, justice, and peace. Pope Francis embodied this message of love for all people, setting a powerful example of Christ’s love and care for each person.
For Reflection and Discussion:
1. How are you called to be a disciple in today’s world? 2. How does this simple message, “Love one another as I have loved you” resonate with your daily life challenges?
3. What opportunities do you see to bring greater justice and peace to your communities of faith and to your cities and towns? 4. Where do you find our loving God “making all things new”?
Bibliography: Donovan, Melinda Brown. “Fifth Sunday of Easter.” Catholic Women Preach: Raising Voices, Renewing the Church—Cycle C , Orbis Books, 2024, pp. 90-92.
This week’s Sunday Liturgy Commentary was prepared by
Mary Louise Chesley-Cora, USA, Bat Kol Alumna 2001
[Copyright © 2025]
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