The supervisor said to the new worker, “Don’t feel bad. Everybody has trouble with that when they start out. Here, let me show you how to handle it.”

After Mass, a parishioner commented, “Father, your homily hit home. I’m dealing with a difficult family situation. What you said helped me see things in a new light. For the first time in months I’m confident I can bring my family together again.”
A woman told her friend, “You were there when I needed you. I don’t know how I could have made it through my surgery and recovery without your comfort, help, and sense of humor. Thanks for everything.”

Difficult Moments

Life, God’s wonderful, mysterious, and awesome gift has its difficult moments; at times it may even seem unbearably cruel, leaving us feeling isolated and vulnerable in an uncaring, hostile world.

The supervisor’s advice and assistance, the optimism generated by Father’s homily, and the devotion of a good friend are comforting reminders we need not be alone and are not without help as we face life’s challenges. In practical, and effective ways, they reinforce the message presented in today’s Scriptures: concern, support, encouragement, and acts of kindness can and do make a difference in others’ lives.

• The passage from Acts tells us Paul and Barnabas reported to the assembled Church community at Corinth how, on their missionary journey, God had used them to open the door of faith to the gentiles. They then took the time to strengthen the disciples’ spirits, exhorting them to persevere in the face of hardships so they could enter the kingdom of God. Their zealous preaching, hard work, and concern touched many hearts and bore much good fruit.

• The scene John describes in Revelation inspires us to imagine a new heaven and a new earth, a world of peace where the disorder, evil, oppression, and violence sin has inflicted on God’s creation no longer exists.

John was a man of faith and hope who could see past the darkness of the human condition. The new heaven and earth he envisioned helped the Christians of his day look beyond their tribulation to the fulfillment of the promise that their suffering would end, that ultimately they, God’s faithful people, would be happy with Him forever in heaven.

• In the Gospel, Jesus tells the Apostles God will glorify Him because, in fulfilling His mission, He has glorified God. Throughout His ministry, Jesus unceasingly enriched peoples’ lives as he showed compassion, forgave sinners, and healed the sick. Through the example of His own self-sacrificing love, He challenged people to love others in a way they may never have thought possible. His kindness and understanding enabled people to accept themselves and be open to the presence, love, and grace of God in their lives.

Thoughtful and Concerned

We may recall times past when others helped us or when our thoughtfulness and concern was a blessing to someone in need.

Looking toward the future we might consider specific ways we can support and encourage our loved ones and anyone else who is a part of our lives. Wouldn’t it be great if family members, friends, and co-workers did the same for us?

Whenever we care for, support, or build up any of God’s children we are obeying Our Lord’s mandate in today’s Gospel to “love one another as I have loved you” and are giving witness to our belief in Jesus who said, “This is how all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

As our kindness and acts of charity undoubtedly make a difference in the lives of those we help they further the growth and progress of the human community and enhance the image of the Church. Fraternal charity is a distinctive mark of the Christian community, a sign of the true Church waiting for Christ.

When we gather for Mass this Sunday, we open our hearts and minds to allow Christ to strengthen us through His Word and in the Eucharist, the sacrament of charity, the sign and source of the Church’s unity.

When Mass is over, we should feel renewed and be enthused about living the Gospel message each day. Everything about us should enable others to say, “Happy this disciple of Jesus Christ whose good life gladdens the heart of God and humanity.”

Readings for the Fifth Sunday of Easter

First Reading: Acts of the Apostles 14: 21-27
Second Reading: Revelation 21: 1-5a
Gospel: John 13: 31-33a, 34-35