Sixth Sunday in Easter - B - May 5, 2024
"Love makes the world go round." While we might dispute the wisdom of that saying, we cannot deny it's truth when it comes to faith. God loves us and gave his Son for us. We are to love others in the same way. This love should define our identity and mission as Christians.
FIRST READING The book of Acts presented a dilemma to St. Peter. He was to step into the house of a non-Jew and an opponent of the Jewish nation. He entered the house of Cornelius, the Roman centurion. When Peter heard and saw what God was doing in the home, opponents became friends, even brothers in the Lord.
PSALM Psalm 98 teaches us that prayer can lead to praise. And praise can become infectious.
SECOND READING If there was one word that described the God Christians worship and the Church community, that word would be "love." 1 John 4 made that point explicit.
GOSPEL In John's Gospel, Jesus defined the reason for being a Christian and the true cause of evangelization in love. God loved us and sent his Son to us as a sign of that love. We are to love, in order to form community and invite others to join us.
DAILY READINGS for Fifth Week in Easter.
FEAST OF ST. JOSEPH THE WORKER May 1, 2024
FEAST OF STS. PHILIP AND JAMES May 3, 2024
CHILDREN'S READINGS The narrative for the first reading describes St. Peter's encounter with Cornelius the soldier. In the story for the gospel, Bernie realized she could not repay everyone for their kindness, especially on a night she and her mother needed help the most. She realized something Jesus taught. We should not try to repay acts of love, but pay them forward. We should treat others the way we have been treated.
CATECHISM LINK In this week's Catechism Link, we investigate the theological virtues of faith, hope and love.
FAMILY ACTIVITY Create a "Love Poster" as a way to discuss true love, giving that demands sacrifice. Brainstorm practical ways to give to others in the family, without expecting anything in return.