Fifth Sunday of Easter

         Thoughtful reflection on our readings from Sacred Scripture today can reveal some pertinent information about the Church, the Body of Christ, here on earth. The First Reading from the Acts of the Apostles shows how a critical pastoral problem was solved by the early Church. The ministry of the Church included (and still includes) not only evangelization, but also works of charity. The Apostles were busy preaching and teaching the Good News of Jesus Christ, but the works of charity were being neglected in some places. To solve the problem, the Apostles expanded the workforce. They initiated seven (7) helpers into the office of deacon. These new recruits were to carry out the Church’s daily relief efforts in service to the poor and the needy. And as the most vulnerable in their society, widows were mentioned as especially needy. These women, without husband or son to support them, were among the poorest of the poor. They were among those to receive help through the ministry of deacons.

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Entrance: Ps 98(97):1-2 – “O sing a new song to the Lord, for He has worked wonders; in the sight of the nations He has shown His deliverance, alleluia.”

First Reading:  Acts 6:1-7 – “The chose seven men filled with the Spirit.”

Psalm: Ps 33:1-2, 4-5, 18-19 – “Lord, let Your mercy be on us, as we place our trust in You.”

Second Reading: 1 Pet 2:4-9 – “You are a chosen race, a royal priesthood.”

Alleluia: Jn 14:6 – “Alleluia, alleluia. I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life, says the Lord; no one comes to the Father except through me. Alleluia, alleluia.”

Gospel: Jn 14:1-12 – “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life.”

Communion: Jn 15:1, 5: – “I am the true vine and you are the branches, says the Lord. Whoever remains in Me, and I in him, bears fruit in plenty, alleluia.”

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         The experience of that early apostolic community has meaning for us. To be a Christian is not simply a matter of belief in a set of truths. To be a Christian also involves service. It always involves service. Faith is not simply an intellectual assent to information. It is not merely a “head trip.” It is a lifestyle of practical activity. It means living and sharing and caring about our brothers and sisters in the human family.

         In the Second Reading, from the First Letter of Saint Peter, we have another powerful image of Church. Christians are like stones, chosen and precious, built into “a spiritual house” with Jesus Christ as the cornerstone. In case you are unfamiliar with architecture, the cornerstone of a building controls its shape and design. Thus, the structure founded with Jesus Christ as cornerstone contains “a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's own people” (1 Pt 2:9 ). These are the ones who build up the Church just as the stones build up the house.

         The setting for today’s Gospel is the Last Supper. In this, His final discourse, Jesus is preparing the Disciples for His violent death and separation from them. He consoles them with the understanding that the separation will only be temporary. He is leaving in order to “prepare a place for you” (Jn 14:2). This place is His Father’s house, the final resting place of all who follow Him in faithful love. It has many “dwelling places” … room for everyone who strives to live as Jesus taught, living the two greatest commandments to love God and to love neighbor.

         The Disciples have a hard time getting the full import of Jesus’ words. Thomas asks, “Lord, we do not know where you are going; how can we know the way?” (Jn 14:5). Jesus’ answer is one of His famous “I AM” statements: “I AM the Way, and the Truth, and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through Me” (Jn 14:6). Philip then speaks up, “Lord, show us the Father, and and we shall be satisfied” (Jn 14:8). There is a note of exasperation in Jesus’ reply, “Have I been with you so long, and yet you do know know Me, Philip? He who has seen Me has seen the Father” (Jn 14:9). Jesus clearly reveals His identity as the Son of God, fully human and fully divine. The author of this Gospel, with unmistakable directness, wants the readers to have a firm and vibrant faith in who Jesus is and what His life and death mean for their salvation. And, again, faith implies action. Jesus says, “Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes in Me will also do the works that I do; nd greater works than these will he do, because I go to the Father” (Jn 14:12). Faith is believing … and believing implies doing.

         When Jesus says, “They do the works that I do,” He is speaking of all believers … those of 2,000 years ago … all those down through the ages … and each and every one of us today. So, how can we do the “works” of Jesus? The Gospel we heard today provides concrete examples. He sought out and reached out to the poor and the powerless, touching their lives with the Good News of salvation. He healed the sick, ministered to the outcasts, spoke in public to women (against the custom of the day), and preached His message to all … Jew and Gentile alike. The implications for us are crystal clear. Yes, we are committed to our daily responsibilities. But we are to do all that we can in service to our brothers and sisters in the human family. When we forget ourselves and reach out to others, we are living the Christian faith. We do this together as Church, working together and praying together. In this way our faith is alive. It is not merely a body of beliefs … it becomes a dynamic lifestyle. It is the solid foundation of our commitment as Christians … as followers of Jesus Christ, our Savior and our Lord.