May 18, 2025・5th Sunday of Easter (C)

Acts14.21b-27・Psalm 145.8+9,10+11,13ab＋14・Revelation 21.1-5a・John 13.31-33,34-35

We continue today reflecting on the response of the Apostles of Jesus to the truth of Jesus` Resurrection. With their strengthened faith in Jesus, strengthening the spirits of other disciples/followers of Jesus had been their major role as they transfer from one  place and one community to another. They even persevered in opening the door of faith to those who have not known and have not believed in Jesus (the Gentiles). They continued with patience to bring people to faith and let them (all others) realize the truth of Jesus` Resurrection, of God`s love in Jesus, of the forgiveness of sins, and the importance of conversion.  The faith formation therefore of the early Church and of her (the early Church`) leaders emphasized in our first reading today highlights the importance of faith, of faith-community, as well as of the knowledge that there is promise of new heaven and new earth.

It is also worth noting that while the Apostles of Jesus have undergone hardships in bringing people to faith formation, they (Paul and Barnabas) summoned other believers/faithful to patiently undergo hardships with them in order to enter into the Kingdom of God, saying that undergoing hardships is necessary.

Our gospel reading todays talks about the new commandment given by Jesus. Being responsive to the command of loving one another is a basic character of the true disciple of Jesus. Modern men and women have different approach in understanding this command, and may even find it difficult to put it into action or to at least understand that it is basic for discipleship.

A true disciple of Jesus constantly tries to respond to the new commandment of Jesus and is eager awaiting the fulfillment of God`s dwelling with the human race. It is when, in the words of the Book of Revelation, “no more death or mourning, no more wailing or pain, and the old order (system) is gone."

May the Lord`s compassion and mercy motivate us all to become more authentic disciples, gentle, welcoming, more generous, slow to anger and forgiving.