HOMILY FOR THE 5TH SUNDAY OF EASTER YEAR C
THEME: Unless we Love one Another, we will never be called Disciples of Jesus Christ.
BY: Fr. Diotacious Chikontwe SMA
HOMILY FOR SUNDAY MAY 15 2022
*READINGS OF THE DAY*
Acts 14:21-27
Apocalypse 21:1-5
John 13:31-33,34-35
*THEME OF THE HOMILY*
Unless we Love one Another, we will never be called Disciples of Jesus Christ.
*INTRODUCTION*
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, today we celebrate the 5th Sunday of Easter, of Year C. And this means that we have passed the mid-point of this blessed and joyful season of Easter.
*ABOUT OUR FIRST READING*
In today’s first reading, Paul encourages us to remain faithful in our missions as disciples of Jesus Christ. He reminds us that: “We all have to experience many hardships before we enter the kingdom of God.
*ABOUT OUR SECOND READING*
in today’s second reading, God gives us a glimpse of that kingdom that Paul spoke of in our first reading. God’s kingdom is the place of renewal where Christ will restore our lost glory.
*ABOUT OUR GOSPEL READING*
In today’s gospel, Christ gives us a new commandment that will help us to overcome this world of pain and hatred among its different people. He says: “I give you a new commandment, love one another; you must love one another.” therefore the only way we can overcome the tribulations and persecutions of this world is by remaining united in love.
*OUR CENTRAL MESSAGE OF THIS SUNDAY*
Dear brethrens, love is manifest in behavior. Jesus tells us, “No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends” (John 15:13), and he modeled this self-giving love on the cross. As we consider his example of love, we can feel overwhelmed and defeated, as if our ability to love like Jesus depends upon our strength and our will. However, in a very real way, it depends upon us letting ourselves be loved by God, allowing him to dwell within us and act through us.
*LET US PRAY*
Jesus, I love you, but I want to love you more deeply. I want to give myself to you, to open my heart so that I can experience your love more fully. I want to be a visible instrument of your love in the world, of your mercy and holiness. I need you. It is your love that makes it possible for me to love. Thank you, Lord, for your deep abiding love.
Fr. Diotacious Chikontwe SMA
