The Catholic Calendar for Sunday, May 13, 2001
The Fifth Sunday of Easter
Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Acts 14:21-27
Psalm 100:1-3,5
Revelation 21:1-5
John 13:31-33,34-35
Full text: http://www.nccbuscc.org/nab/index.htm
A Reflection on Today's Scripture:
"All will know that you are my disciples,
if you have love for one another." (Jn 13:35)
Some religious writers suggest that Jesus' statement, "As I have
loved you, so you also should love one another," is an ideal rather
than an attainable command. Christ never asks the impossible from us.
We who have a sincere faith, one that desires God's will to be done
perfectly in us, will allow His Holy Spirit to teach us to love
sacrificially as Christ loved us. If we say, "yes" to the grace He
extends us in life's situations and relationships and make choices
which seek the good of others above our personal desires and
comforts, then we slowly, sometimes painfully, gain the heart and
mind of Christ, God's goal for all humanity.
The Apostles' lives and those of saints over the ages are marked with
suffering, sometimes unto death. What enabled them to live in total
abandonment to God's will? The same loving power of God, His Holy
Spirit Who enabled Jesus the man to embrace the cross was also at
work in them. This same power is ever active, and this very day is
ready to work in us if we would allow Him. Few will be asked to
literally forfeit their lives for the Faith; but every one of us who
professes Christ is called to die to "self," to all the attitudes,
actions and words that place ourselves above God and the good of our
fellow humans.
God's will is to re-create us in the image of Christ; and as we
cooperate with Him in this task, we will participate in transforming
this world in love, truth, peace and justice.
Blessed Lord,
give us voice to sing joyous praises of Your saving power;
may our lives genuinely witness Your great love. Amen.
Marie L. Bocko, ocds ([EMAIL PROTECTED])
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