Reflection for the Fifth Sunday of Easter…..May 7, 2023

by Sr Celeste Wobeter ND

In today’s Gospel Jesus continues to teach His followers before He ascends to heaven.  He prepares and empowers them to continue His mission throughout the world.  With anxiety and perhaps an awareness of the magnitude of this mission, they question Jesus and declare they don’t understand their call.  Jesus proclaims, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life.”

The “Way” of Jesus is the way of love for all,

The “Truth” of Jesus; is the message of Jesus’ love for the Father and the Father for the Son . . . and for all humankind.

The “Life” of Jesus is the life of reaching out to the marginalized, the outcast, the poor, and struggling.

Jesus also told his followers, “Whoever believes in me will do the works that I do and will do greater ones than these.”  What an overwhelming challenge and message that had to be!  We must remember that this is our call also!  We are called to love one another as God loves us.  We are called to embrace and care for the poor, the marginalized, the lonely and sorrowful, everyone with whom we come in contact! Not always easy!  We are called to speak the truth to raise up the neglected, knowing we may be criticized or alienated for this.  This seems to be quite overwhelming for us, also.  As always, Jesus assures us, “I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.”  And Paul reminds us, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Phil 4:13