Newsletter — Fifth Sunday of Easter B—-28th April 2024
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| Reading I: Acts 9:26-31 | Psalm: Ps 22:26-27, 28, 30, 31-32, |
| Reading II: 1 John 3:18-24 | Gospel: John 15:1-8 |
Summary of the Readings:
First reading: The disciples are skeptical about allowing Paul to join them, but Barnabas in humble boldness befriends and advocates for him. When they see that Paul is a true disciple and is willing to die for his faith, they welcome him. This becomes an integral step for the proclamation of the gospel and the growth of the early Church.
Psalm: The Father allowed the Son to endure forsakenness to yield the fruit of our salvation. Although it seems like a psalm of defeat, it concludes with themes of joy and the triumph of the Lord. It prophesies about the Church, the Eucharist, global conversion, and the resurrection of the body.
Second reading: When we love in deed and truth we put the faith into practice and remain in communion with God. The theme of remaining or abiding signifies the importance of sharing a common life. Observing conformity to the commandments reflects the presence of the Spirit within us, serving as a tangible sign of our salvation.
Gospel: The vine and branches discourse parallels the bread of life discourse intentionally, as they are both symbols of the Eucharist. The true believer remains in Christ and recognizes that He can do nothing apart from Him. We abide in Christ most closely in Holy Communion. In the Gospels, bearing fruit is either growth in virtue or leading souls to conversion. The Lord allows suffering in order for us to resist our desires, enabling us to bear more fruit. We must be willing to submit to the Father’s pruning in trust. Unlike the teachings of the prosperity gospel, communion with Christ is not always pleasant because the closer we are to Him, the more we share in the Cross. Yet, this intimate union gives us rich love and hope in resurrecting with Him.
Practical Application: These readings urge us to reevaluate our priorities to be ordered to eternal life. Much of what we stress about is minuscule in the divine perspective.
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