Fifth Sunday of Easter
Lectionary: 53 (NAB Translation)
Sunday, May 3, 2015
Reading 1
Acts 9:26-31
This week’s first reading continues in the Acts of the Apostles during this season of Easter. Last week we heard about how Jesus met Paul on the road to Damascus. Saul had been known for His persecution of the Church, and now that he has converted, the Apostles are worried that he wants to join them.
Barnabas’ testimony of Paul’s conversion and new defense of Jesus caught them by surprise because they had put Paul in a box of judgement. Sometimes we too find that we have a hard time believing that Jesus is capable of changing the hearts of those that oppose the Gospel. Keep faith, the God that gave us faith, is capable enough of changing even the stoniest heart.
Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 22:26-27, 28, 30, 31-32
- (26a) I will praise you, Lord, in the assembly of your people.
Reading 2
1 JN 3:18-24
This week’s second reading also continues where we left off last week. St John calls us out in this portion of the reading. Many times we claim faith as ours but limit it in our lives. We are truly transformed in His grace, and our lives require that union with actions and thoughts.
This is the challenge of faith. We have to practice what we preach.
Alleluia
John 15:4A, 5B
- Alleluia, alleluia.
Remain in me as I remain in you, says the Lord.
Whoever remains in me will bear much fruit.
Gospel
John 15:1-8
This week’s Gospel from St. John is a familiar parable of Jesus as the vine. We see the beautiful possibility of bearing fruit when connected to the vine of Jesus. The symbolism is clear – if we are not connected, we lose life.
We see a connected theme with the other readings. Discipleship requires that we remain in Him, and we need to love Him in true sincerity and in actions.
Gospel Meditation from Bishop Vásquez
Reflection question
- For the vine to produce good fruit, it must be pruned and trimmed. What needs to be pruned from your life in order to produce more good fruit?
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