Fifth Sunday of Easter

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Easter 2010

September 8, 2010

Fifth Sunday of Easter

Love one another

This instruction given by Jesus to his followers is very opportune for the beginning of a week which sees the General Election and, in our own parish, the visit of Bishop Malcolm, who will give the Sacrament of Confirmation to a number of our parishioners.

In the last few weeks, not all the participants in the Election campaign have distinguished themselves by the respect they have shown for those who disagree with their views.

Yet such respect is fundamental in human relationships. Without respect, there can be no trust; and, in our society, trust has been severely shaken in recent times. In their recent Statement, “Choosing the Common Good,” the Bishops of England and Wales stated: “A new Parliament is a good opportunity for a new beginning, in which trust between the public and politicians can begin to be restored.” It is a question of building up community, and a community will be most effective and alive when its members think of others rather than only of themselves, and when they respect others who hold views different from their own. The First Reading of today’s Mass tells of Paul and Barnabas putting “fresh heart into the disciples, encouraging them to persevere in the faith.” This is one way in which we, too, can show love for one another.

Gospel Readings for the weekdays of the Fifth Week of Easter

Monday (Saints Philip and James) John 14: 6-14

Tuesday (English Martyrs) Matthew 10: 17-20

Wednesday John 15: 1-8

Thursday John 15: 9-11

Friday (Mass of Confirmation) John 15: 18-21; 26-27

Saturday John 15: 18-21

This week

Think about it:

What are the main hardships you experience in your attempts to follow Christ faithfully?

Listen to it:

Re-read the First Reading of today’s Mass, and try to imagine what it was like being a Christian in one of the communities visited by Paul and Barnabas.

Talk about it:

Discuss with someone how you might “put fresh heart” into someone who may be struggling with their faith.

Learn from it:

To see the good, and the potential for good, in other people.

Pray about it:

Lord, help me to be a witness to you by the love I show towards others. Amen.