Reflection for the Fifth Sunday after Easter – May 15, 2022

By Carol Craven, Notre Dame Associate

 The readings are full of action.

In the first reading (Acts 14:21-27) Paul and Barnabas evangelized the Gentiles. They created communities and developed leaders.

In the responsorial Psalm (Psalm 145: 8 -9, 10-11, 12-13) we learned of God’s actions. We respond, “I will praise your name forever, my king and my God.”

In the second reading, (Revelations 21: 1- 5) John, provides a vision of a new heaven and a new earth. He tells us that he heard a voice saying, “Behold, God’s dwelling is with the human race. He will dwell with them, and they will be His people, and God himself will always be with them as their God.”

In the Gospel (John 13:31-33, 34-35), Jesus gives a new commandment. “Love one another as I have loved you, so you also love one another. This is how all will know that you are my disciples if you have love for one another.”

So, what does all of this action mean for us? How are we going to participate in this new creation? Is the first step that of personal transformation? Do we have the vision and hope and trust in God to become co-creators with God? Are we willing to put forth the effort to create a new way of being? What will this internal process require of us? Prayer, meditation, discernment will provide the way for a deeper connection to God. In the stillness, when we are truly present, we will come to know God’s will for us. Out of that knowing, we will be able to answer the call to create whatever is ours to create. We will come from a deep knowledge of God’s love for us. We will be able to create in love our unique response. Perhaps, we will wipe away a tear!