HOMILY OF 5TH SUNDAY OF THE EASTER — YEAR C

HOMILY OF 5TH SUNDAY OF THE EASTER — YEAR C

HOMILY THEME: “I give you a new commandment: love one another; as I have loved you, so you also should love one another.”

BY: Bishop Anthony Ewherido 

Acts 14:21-27, Rev 21:1-5, John 13:31-35

Today’s first reading details the spread of the gospel in the early Church at the point where the main pillars erected local leadership structures so they could continue their mission of breaking new grounds and exploring new missionary frontiers. It was all done with God at the heart of it and under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, such that Christians became known by their love, unity, faith, prayer and endurance.

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Despite the difficulties they endured, the grace of God sustained them. May God’s grace continue to sustain His Church. The second reading gives us hope amidst today’s challenges as we are shown the reality of life with God in heaven; the life to which we all aspire. God’s declaration that He makes all things new should spur us to be people of faith and hope and never despair. God will indeed renew us by healing our brokenness and mending the cracks. The gospel renews Christ’s command to us to love as he loves us; completely, totally, unconditionally, enduringly, indiscriminately and selflessly. Loving as Christ loves us is our proof of authentic discipleship. Indeed, such love was the hallmark of the Early Disciples. So, we must examine ourselves: how does my love of neighbor measure up beside Jesus’ command? What can I do to obey that command faithfully, in my family, community, work place and church?” Through such love, God renews us and our world; and makes all things new. Let us work with God to bring such rejuvenation about in our world, through our obedience to Christ’s commandment of love. That commandment leaves no room for alternatives. It is either we in total obedience or gross disregard and rebellion. That is because the Lord follows his indication that he was giving a new commandment with an absolute imperative (“Love….”) and without a conditional clause as to the possibility that it would not be obeyed.

Father, you fill our days with good things and renew our youth like an eagle’s (Psalm 103:5); mend our brokenness, heal our pain, and mold us in love, that we may praise your name forever. Amen.

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