The 5th Sunday of Easter

“And when they arrived, they called the church together and reported what God had done with them
and how he had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles.”

As Paul and Barnabas proclaimed the Gospel to the world in which they lived and brought believers into the fold, we are called to do the same. We are, each of us, given the gift of the Holy Spirit which inspires us to share what we have ourselves received. So many people are hurt and afraid, beaten up by the world in which we live. What then can we do, what are we called to do. The key to this is found in the Gospel.

“I give you a new commandment: love one another. As I have loved you, so you also should love one another. This is how all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

This love shared is the key to proclaiming the Good News and drawing all those who hear, and experience it into the Church. This love is expressed in our care and concern for those on the margins, those who have wandered far from the path of the Lord. Each one of us can by sharing the love given to us in Christ do the work of Jesus, the salvation of the world.

Think about the people you know. Is there anyone out there who can use what you have to share? Do you know anyone who might not know of the blessings given to us by Christ? If the answer is yes, what have you done to share this Love as Jesus commanded us. Have you helped them in their struggles? Have you invited them to return to the Eucharist and the Sacraments? Have you found those who are not yet one with us, but who are thirsting for the love given to us in Christ.  Do not then hold back! It is at our very core as believers to share what we have received. Let us do as Christ has commanded us, that the whole world might know the generous, gracious, and saving Love of our God!

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