Fifth Sunday of Easter

Mother's Day
In other years: Saint Damien of Molokai (1840-1889)

Readings of the Day
RB: Ch 1:6-13
Mass: Acts 6:1-7; Resp Ps 33; 1 Pt 2:4-9; Jn 14:1-12

Exult, you just, in the Lord; praise from the upright is fitting.

MARY, MOTHER OF GOOD COUNSEL,

PRAY FOR US.

We have before us an echo of the Gospel proclaimed this last Friday and Saturday. We praise the living and true God with this Good News as we again listen with the ear of our hearts and hear Jesus' words: Do not let your hearts be troubled (Jn 14:1). Jesus spoke these words to His disciples at a time when they were anxious, worried, afraid, wondering what was going to happen next. Jesus had washed their feet, predicted that one of the Twelve would betray Him, another would deny he ever knew Him. They still did not understand where Jesus was going or how they were to follow Him (Jn 14:5). Even Jesus, in His full humanity, became sorrowful and distressed (Mt 26:37); His friends wouldn't be able to manage to stay awake with Him to pray (Mt 26:43); Jesus would be in so much agony that He sweat blood (Lk 22:44).

We find ourselves in similar yet different situations. We experience all the same emotions that Jesus and His disciples experienced. They have paved the way for us and we are united with them. So these same words are meant for us, right now, wherever you are, in whatever circumstance or situation you find yourself. You may be grieving, hurting emotionally or physically, anxious, afraid, full of joy and energy, or otherwise. Do not let your hearts be troubled. Jesus is with you, by your side, in front of you, behind you. Jesus is the way and the truth and the life (Jn 14:6). Oh the Joy of the Gospel: "Jesus Christ loves you; He gave His life to save you; and now He is living at your side every day to enlighten, strengthen and free you." We go to the Father through Jesus (Jn 14:6). May we believe in Him and follow Him for Jesus says: Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever believes in me will do the works that I do, and will do greater ones than these, because I am going to the Father (Jn 6:12). And, whatever you ask in my name, I will do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask anything of me in my name, I will do it (Jn 6:13-14). Take your cares, worries, joys and sorrows to Jesus: Do not let your hearts be troubled.

We pray with the Holy Father, first with his prayer intention for mothers:

For all mothers across the globe, and for those who are in heaven.

Second, with his prayer intention for May:

Deacons are not second level priests.

They are part of the clergy and live their vocation in and with their family.

They are dedicated to the service of the poor, who carry within them the face of the suffering Christ.

They are guardians of the service in the Church.

Let us pray that deacons, faithful in their service to the Word and the poor, may be an invigorating symbol for the entire Church.

Today's photo: New Zealand Tea Tree detail.

© Gertrude Feick 2020