5th Sunday of Easter (Cycle A, Year II)

Community Word: The Holy Spirit empowers us to build God’s Kingdom and live an abundant life.

Theme: We build God’s Kingdom when we believe in the Father through the works of Jesus

Promise: “… I go and prepare a place for you … so that where I am you also may be.” (Jn 14:3)

Reflection:
Throughout his ministry, Jesus proclaims that his works and words are those of the Father. He says, “When you lift up the Son of Man, then you will realize that I am, and that I do nothing on my own, but I say only what the Father taught me,” (Jn 8:28). He also shows his disciples that the unity between him and the Father is seen through his works. He declares, “If I do not perform my Father’s works, do not believe me; but if I perform them, even if you do not believe me, believe the works, so that you may realize [and understand] that the Father is in me and I am in the Father,” (Jn: 10:37-38).

Now he states the matter even more clearly, “Whoever has seen me has seen the Father,” (Jn 14:9). “Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me?” (Jn 14: 10a). We can clearly see the relationship of the Son with the Father. Jesus’s oneness with the Father is rooted in the Jewish understanding that the emissary bears the identity and speaks with the authority of the sender. This works only if the emissary has a close relationship with the sender, understands the mind and heart of the sender, and is faithful to comply with the sender’s will. “The words that I speak to you I do not speak on my own. The Father who dwells in me is doing his works,” (Jn: 14:10b). This Gospel refers to the miracles that Jesus performed as signs (cf. Jn 2:11; 4:54; 6:2; etc.), and these signs confirmed Jesus’s spiritual authority and point to the Father who dwells in Jesus and whose works Jesus does.

Through Jesus, our Heavenly Father has blessed each of us with time, talents, and resources. He wants us to use these gifts to further the work of the Church. All of us are needed to lead, teach, support, and participate. By using our time, talents, and resources freely and willingly, we can help spread the gospel and build the kingdom. More than ever, especially in the present viral pandemic, we are called upon to use our time, talent and resources in playing our role as good neighbors, especially in caring for the vulnerable in our society. Let us be the voice and instruments of help, hope and healing. As Jesus said, “Your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father,” (Mt 5:16).

For the faithful follower and true believer, Christ’s promise is very comforting and pleasing “… I go and prepare a place for you … so that where I am you also may be,” (Jn 14:3).

Many of us are consumed by uncertainty and constantly evolving news surrounding Covid-19. But we cannot fear what may or may not happen to us. God asks us to trust Him through all situations and St. Paul tells us that God’s grace is sufficient, whether that grace leads to healing or homecoming. Our focus should not be on fear and uncertainty, but on God who is our Refuge, even in circumstances of disease and trouble. We are called to hope and trust in God no matter what is happening in our world. And He can be trusted during this pandemic, He is sovereign over the world and our individual life.

What is important is that we know where our true home is. And the true home of the believer is with the Triune God, and God is with all believers every step of their earthly journey. When that last step comes, Jesus is there to usher our life into glory, a life He paid for. Therefore, let us remember that in the storms and diseases God is with us; and in our joys, let us give thanks to the Holy Spirit. When our last day comes, may we cling to the promise of Jesus. We are bound to Christ and when we die, we will live with Him in glory.

Prayer:
Father God, You manifested Your love for us through the works of Jesus. Let me seek and see your kingdom in my heart and mind through the eyes of your Son, Jesus Christ. Amidst any upheaval and disruption, help me to persevere in ministering and caring those in need, to reach out to those who do not know the Gospel, to keep offering my gift of service to our Community of believers and to live a holy life as You are holy. Amen.

Reflection Guide Questions:
1. How do you use your time, talent and resources to build God’s Kingdom, during this pandemic?

2. Share a situation in Your life when You felt the Lord’s timely help in moment of difficulty.
This Week’s Daily Mass Reading Guide:
May 10, 2020 (Sun) – Acts 6:1-7/ Ps 33:1, 2, 4, 5, 18, 19/ 1Pt 2:4-9/ Jn 14:1-12
May 11, 2020 (Mon) – Acts 14:5-18/ Ps 115:1-4, 15, 16/ Jn 14:21-26
May 12, 2020 (Tues) – Acts 14:19-28/ Ps 145:10-13, 21/ Jn 14:27-31
May 13, 2020 (Wed) – Acts 15:1-6/ Ps 122:1-5/ Jn 15:1-8
May 14, 2020 (Thur) – Acts15:7-21/ Ps 96:1-3, 10/ Jn 15:9-17
May 15, 2020 (Fri) – Acts 15:22-31/ Ps 57:8-10, 12/ Jn 15:12-17
May 16, 2020 (Sat) – Acts 16:1-10/ Ps 100:1-3, 5/ Jn 15:18-21

“Ignorance of the Bible is ignorance of Christ. Read your Bible daily!”