Following the persecution of Stephen, the disciples travel and proclaim the Gospel to Jews and Gentiles. More people are joining the Church, and new believers are taking the initiative to share the Good News of Jesus Christ.
Peter’s vision and experience reveals the Holy Spirit at work in the hearts of people who have no connection to Jewish custom and salvation history. The Good News has no boundaries, and we are invited today to consider how we proclaim the Gospel message by what we say and do.
Here are some of the key themes that surface in the readings for the 5th Sunday of Easter.
1st Reading – Acts of the Apostles 6:1-7
Seven reputable men are appointed to assist with the daily distribution as the Christian community grows.
Freed from these tasks, the Apostles continue to focus their efforts on prayer and the ministry of the word.
Psalm – 33:1-2,4-5,18-19
“Lord, let your mercy be on us, as we place our trust in you.”
We rejoice in the kindness and justice of the Lord, who preserves those who fear him.
2nd Reading – 1st Peter 2:4-9
Christ “the stone that the builders rejected, has become the cornerstone” calls us to become living stones that are built up into God’s spiritual house.
We are chosen by God, called to offer our lives by the one who leads us out of darkness into his wonderful light.
Gospel – John 14:1-12
Jesus is “the way and the truth and the life” who prepares a place for us in heaven.
Christ, united to the Father, invites us to believe in him and carry out his work in the world.
The 23rd Psalm strengthens our faith as we claim Christ as the shepherd of our lives. May we turn to the Lord in our need and call upon God for help when we assist others on their journey through life.
In a powerful four step process, Philip talks to an Ethiopian eunuch about Jesus. These four simple steps offer us a practical guide to sharing our faith with the people in our lives today.
The Risen Lord commands his disciples with direct and pointed language to preach the Good News. May we take this instruction to heart as we live our faith today.
Stephen, filled with grace and power, works great signs among the people. As a result, he is attacked in an unjust way and brought before the Sanhedrin.
Catholic Inspiration – Podcast Archives of Homilies & Talks
Three Great Things 