HOMILY FOR THE 5TH SUNDAY OF EASTER YEAR A. (5)

HOMILY FOR THE 5TH SUNDAY OF EASTER YEAR A.

THEME: They elected seven men full of the Holy Spirit.

BY: FR. DEOTATIOUS CHIKONTWE SMA.

*READINGS OF THE DAY*
Acts 6:1-7
Psalm 32:1-2,4-5,18-19
1st Peter 2:4-9
John 14:1-12

*LITURGICAL COLOUR*
WHITE

*INTRODUCTION*
My dear brothers and sisters in Christ, today we celebrate the 5th Sunday of Easter. The liturgy of this Sunday for the tell us that we are called to follow Jesus and serve him, even though we don’t know where that might lead us.

*FROM OUR FIRST READING*
Our first reading today from Acts 6:1-7, tells how and why the first deacons were chosen.

*FROM OUR SECOND READING*
In the second reading, coming from 1st Peter 2:4-9, in this passage Peter calls the people to be “a holy priesthood.

*FROM OUR GOSPEL READING*
In the gospel reading of today from John 14:1-12, here Jesus emphasizes the importance of serving others and encourages his disciples to continue his work. In the same gospel Jesus tells us to have faith in him.

*WHAT DO WE LEARN FROM OUR LITURGICAL READINGS OF TODAY?*
1. The first aspect we learn today is *Service* : In both the first and Gospel readings the theme of service is prominent as the apostles seek to meet the needs of the community by appointing seven men to serve as deacons. In the gospel of today, Jesus emphasizes the importance of serving others and encourages his disciples to continue his work.

2. The second aspect we learn today is *Unity* : The readings highlight the importance of unity within the community of believers. The appointment of the seven deacons helps to maintain unity and prevent division within the early church. Jesus speaks of his unity with the Father and encourages his disciples to remain united in him.

3. The third aspect we learn is *Leadership* : Our first reading provides an example of leadership in action as the apostles make a decision to address the needs of the community.

4. The forth aspect we find is *Faith* : Faith is a common theme in all our readings of today, as the early believers trust in God to provide for their needs, and Jesus encourages his disciples to have faith in him as they continue his work.

5. The fifth and final aspect we find in todays liturgy is *Vocations* : The seven men chosen to serve as deacons were specifically selected for their ability to serve the needs of the community. The first reading highlights the importance of recognizing and affirming one’s vocational calling, as well as the value of vocations within the Church.

*CONCLUSION*
Now, my dear brothers and sisters in Christ, let us ask ourselves, what is our own vocation in life? What have we been called to do and what have we committed ourselves to do with our lives? Let us all spend the time today and afterwards to discern carefully how we can live our lives better as Christians, in embracing more fully our various respective vocations in life, and doing the will of God in all things. Let us all do our best to carry out our Christian calling and obligations, our respective missions in life, making good use whatever opportunities, time and chances that God has presented to us. All of us have been entrusted by the Lord to do His will, to do our best in our lives and proclaiming His Good News and truth at all times. Our lives should serve as inspiration and guide for others all around us so that they may be inspired to follow our examples as well.

*BLESSINGS OF THE DAY*
May the Risen Lord continue to guide and strengthen each one of us, and may He empower all of us to live our lives to the best of our abilities, to glorify Him by our lives and works. May God be with His Church and all of His faithful ones, at all times. May He bless our works and efforts, and remain with us always. Amen.

Fr Deotacious Chikontwe SMA.

FOR MORE HOMILIES CLICK >>>>>>>