Here are some of the themes that we discover in the Mass readings for the 5th Sunday of Easter.
1st Reading – Acts of the Apostles 9:26-31
- Saul arrives in Jerusalem and seeks to join the disciples, but they are afraid of meeting with him.
- Barnabas takes charge of the situation, and explains how Saul has had a conversion of heart.
- When Saul speaks boldly about Jesus, his life is threatened, and the disciples send him off to Caesarea to make his way to Tarsus.
Psalm – 22:26-28,30-32
- “I will praise you, Lord, in the assembly of your people.”
- From the ends of the earth, all the families of nations proclaim God’s justice and praise.
2nd Reading – 1st Letter of John
- We have confidence in God as we keep his commandments and do what pleases him.
- Believing in the name of Jesus Christ, we love one another as he commanded us.
Gospel – John 15:1-8
- Jesus teaches his disciples that he is the vine, we are the branches, and his Father is the vine grower.
- We fulfill the Father’s will when we bear fruit by remaining in Jesus and become his disciples.
Mass Readings – 5th Sunday of Easter (Year B, #53)
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Three Great Things 