Community Word: Jesus Christ, our Lord, is the way to the Father by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Theme: We follow Jesus as the way to the Father, when we believe that He is the way, the truth and the life
Promise: “I go and prepare a place for you…so that where I am you also may be” (Jn 14: 3)
Reflection:
This week, our theme tells us that Jesus is the way, truth and life as He leads us to the Father and for this reason we must follow Him. Last week, Jesus our Good Shepherd invited us to follow His voice as He is the way to abundant life. He is inviting us to follow Him and assures us that by following His ministry of bringing His people to Him, we can be assured of our place in heaven.
The 5th Sunday of Easter focuses on ministry. The 1st reading (Acts 6:1-7) tells us how the apostles chose individuals to help them in the ministry of prayer and of the word to ensure that the word of God would continue to spread and conversion to the faith would happen. In the 2nd reading, St. Peter proclaims that all who believe have a share in the priesthood of Jesus Christ to affirm our faith in Him and be saved. And in the Gospel, during the last supper before His death, Jesus assures His disciples that those who share in His life and ministry will be empowered – “Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever believes in me will do the works that I do, and will do greater ones than these,” (Jn 14: 12).
As believers and followers of Jesus Christ, we are a chosen race and members of the royal priesthood where Jesus is the Priest who sanctifies and leads us in our journey to His Abba Father. Jesus is the pathway to the dwelling place He has prepared for us – “In my Father’s house…I am going to prepare a place for you,” (Jn 14: 2).
In our BLD community of faith, we are likewise called to share in Jesus’ ministry of leading others to the dwelling place of our Abba Father. It is our privilege and duty to share in this primary role of Jesus as we go through our renewal events, such as the encounters, LSS and activities that will bring others closer to God. Being called and anointed, there is nothing that should hinder us from devoting ourselves to ministry work, regardless of whatever capacity we may be in, as members or leaders. We are all God’s servants willing to help in the spiritual and temporal needs of our brothers and sisters. Above all, we are called to lead others to Jesus who is the only way to the Father. We are called to work in the life and mission of our community.
There will always be challenges and trials in life. We also struggle with our own weakness and sinfulness. More so, serving the Lord and following Him is not easy. There are difficulties and problems to be resolved to the point of discouragement and giving-up. But as we follow Jesus, we are gently reminded – “Do not let your hearts be troubled, you have faith in God; have faith also in me,” (Jn 14: 1). Jesus is showing us the way, and it is the only way. As we walk with Him, He assures us that He will be with us always. As we share in the priesthood of Jesus Christ and lead others to follow Him, we are definitely making our journey to His Father’s dwelling place that our Lord Jesus is preparing for us. His words of assurance should clearly inspire us to do so – “I go and prepare a place for you…so that where I am you also may be” (Jn 14: 3).
Prayer:
Father God, we thank and praise You for allowing us to share in the priestly ministry and service of Your Son, Jesus. Truly, He is the Way, the Truth and the Life who gives meaning to our lives. He is the one true Priest who came to minister, serve and lead all of us to You. Most especially, we thank You for Your goodness and in allowing us to walk the path towards Your eternal dwelling place where we may experience eternal life. Abide in us that we may be faithful in serving and bringing others through the same path through Christ, our way, truth and life. Amen.
Mama Mary and St. Joseph, intercede for us this endeavor. Amen.
Reflection Guide Questions:
- How can I concretely share in the ministry of Jesus in the community?
- How can I lead others to the place prepared for them in our Abba Father’s house?
This Week’s Daily Mass Reading Guide:
May 7, 2023 (Sun) – Acts 6:1-7/ Ps 33:1, 2, 4, 5, 18, 19/ 1Pt 2:4-9/ Jn 14:1-12
May 8, 2023 (Mon) – Acts 14:5-18/ Ps 115:1-4, 15, 16/ Jn 14:21-26
May 9, 2023 (Tues) – Acts 14:19-28/ Ps 145:10-13, 21/ Jn 14:27-31a
May 10, 2023 (Wed) – Acts 15:1-6/ Ps 122:1-5/ Jn 15:1-8
May 11, 2023 (Thurs) – Acts 15:7-21/ Ps 96:1-3, 10/ Jn 15:9-11
May 12, 2023 (Fri) – Acts 15:22-31/ Ps 57:8-10, 12/ Jn 15:12-17
May 13, 2023 (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!”
