Tuesday of the 5th Week of Easter

• First Reading – Acts 14:19-28: Paul and Barnabas continued to preach the Gospel message despite facing persecution and hardship, and established new Christian communities in the cities they visited through miraculous healings and signs.
• Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 145: All creation thanks the Lord, and His faithful declare His kingdom’s glory and power. His everlasting dominion is celebrated across generations, praised by all forever.
• Gospel – John 14:27-31a: Jesus promises his disciples peace and comfort through faith, and tells them that he will soon be leaving them to return to the Father. Jesus also emphasizes the importance of obedience to the Father’s will, and acknowledges the ongoing struggle between good and evil.

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid.

John 14:27

The readings for Tuesday of the 5th Week of Easter focus on perseverance, peace, and trusting in God’s plan. They show the courage of the early disciples and the reassurance Jesus gives to His followers.

• Courage in Adversity: In the first reading, Paul continues his mission despite facing great challenges and opposition. This reminds us to stay faithful to God’s call, even in difficult times.
• Strength Through Community: The disciples strengthen and encourage one another in their faith. This shows the importance of supporting each other in our journey with God.
• The Gift of Peace: In the Gospel, Jesus promises peace to His disciples, not as the world gives it, but as a lasting gift. This peace reassures us and calms our hearts in the face of fear.
• Faith Amid Suffering: The first reading highlights the suffering Paul endures for the sake of the Gospel. This shows that faith often requires perseverance and trust in God’s plan.
• God’s Kingdom Is Open: Paul and the disciples remind us that entering God’s kingdom comes through faith and steadfast commitment. This encourages us to remain focused on God, even when faced with trials.
• Jesus’ Example of Trust: In the Gospel, Jesus speaks about His obedience to the Father’s will. This teaches us to trust in God’s plan and follow His guidance in our lives.

Tuesday of the 5th Week of Easter encourages us to persevere in faith, support one another, and trust in the peace and guidance Jesus offers. These readings remind us that challenges can strengthen our faith and deepen our commitment to God.

The readings for Tuesday of the 5th Week of Easter highlight the importance of encouragement, peace, and trust in God’s plan. The disciples support one another in their faith, reminding us that community strengthens our journey with God. Jesus reassures His followers by offering a lasting peace and calling them to trust in Him through all challenges.

Encouraging One Another in Faith

In the first reading for Tuesday of the 5th Week of Easter, the disciples strengthen and encourage one another in their faith. Paul and his companions work to build up the Church, reminding believers to stay steadfast in their commitment to God. They show how important it is to support one another, especially in times of trial.

This reminds us that faith is not a journey we take alone. We need the encouragement of others to stay strong when life gets difficult. The disciples’ example teaches us to pray for one another, share words of hope, and remain united in our faith.

Supporting others in their faith also deepens our own. By encouraging someone else, we grow in love and trust in God. The first reading challenges us to ask ourselves how we can help build up the faith of those around us.

Peace as a Gift from Jesus

In the Gospel for Tuesday of the 5th Week of Easter, Jesus promises His disciples a lasting peace. Unlike the peace the world offers, this peace calms fears and brings confidence in the face of uncertainty. Jesus reassures His disciples that they can trust Him, no matter what they face.

This peace is a reminder that Jesus is always with us. When we feel anxious or afraid, His presence helps us find calm and strength. Trusting in His promise allows us to face life with courage and hope.

The peace of Jesus is something we are also called to share with others. When we live with His peace, it flows into our actions and words. We become a sign of His love, offering comfort to those who need it.

Trusting in God’s Plan

Both the first reading and the Gospel for Tuesday of the 5th Week of Easter call us to trust in God’s plan. Paul’s perseverance in spreading the Gospel, even after facing opposition, shows his complete reliance on God. In the Gospel, Jesus encourages His disciples to trust in His guidance and the peace He offers.

Trusting in God means believing that He is in control, even when things are difficult. It is about letting go of our fears and relying on His care. Both Paul’s actions and Jesus’ words remind us that God is always working for our good.

This trust helps us to move forward with faith, even when the path is unclear. It strengthens our relationship with God and gives us the courage to live as His followers. These readings encourage us to grow in our trust and to share that trust with others.

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The reflections for Tuesday of the 5th Week of Easter invite us to deepen our trust in God and to share His peace with others. By encouraging one another and living with faith, we grow closer to Jesus and help build His kingdom of love and hope.

Prayer

Lord, thank You for the peace You give that calms our hearts and strengthens our faith. Help us to trust in Your plan and to share Your love with those around us. Teach us to encourage one another and to live with courage and hope. May we always walk in Your peace. Amen.

Reflection Questions

• How can you encourage someone in their faith this week?
• What does the peace of Jesus mean to you during times of fear or uncertainty?
• How do you show trust in God’s plan in your daily life?
• In what ways can you build stronger faith connections with others in your community?

Word on Fire: Keeping Vigil

Bishop Robert Barron reflects on the nature of Christianity as both a fulfilled promise and a waiting period for Jesus’ Second Coming, as mentioned in today’s Gospel. He draws parallels to the patience required in various life situations—like an apprenticeship, monastic life, pregnancy, gardening, and writing—to illustrate how significant developments require time.

This waiting is not passive but involves active vigilance and preparation, akin to nurturing growth in natural processes. Bishop Barron emphasizes that, just as these processes take time to mature, so does the spiritual preparation for Jesus’ return.

What date is Tuesday of the 5th Week of Easter?

The next date is Tuesday May 20, 2025.

What are the Mass readings for Tuesday of the 5th Week of Easter?

The Mass readings for Tuesday May 20, 2025 are:
First Reading – Acts 14:19-28: Spreading the Gospel Amid Persecution
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 145: Eternal Praise to the King of Glory
Gospel – John 14:27-31a: Jesus Promises Peace

Why did Paul continue preaching despite opposition in the first reading for Tuesday of the 5th Week of Easter?

Paul was committed to sharing the message of Jesus, even when it was difficult. His courage shows the importance of staying faithful to God’s mission.

What does the first reading teach about community?

The disciples strengthened and encouraged one another in their faith. This shows how important it is to support and build each other up in our walk with God.

Why does Paul mention suffering in the first reading?

Paul explains that suffering can be part of the journey to God’s kingdom. It shows that faith requires perseverance and trust in God’s plan.

What does the first reading say about entering the kingdom of God?

The reading highlights that entering God’s kingdom involves commitment, faith, and perseverance. It reminds us to remain steadfast, even in trials.

What does Jesus mean when He says He gives peace differently from the world in the Gospel for Tuesday of the 5th Week of Easter?

Jesus offers a peace that is lasting and not based on external circumstances. His peace brings comfort and calm to our hearts, even during challenges.

How can we apply the peace Jesus promises to our lives?

We can trust in Jesus and His care for us, even when we feel uncertain or afraid. His peace helps us face life with confidence and hope.

What does Jesus teach about trusting in God’s plan?

Jesus shows His trust by following the Father’s will completely. This teaches us to rely on God and believe that His plans are for our good.

How can we support one another in faith, as the disciples did?

We can pray for each other, encourage each other during difficult times, and share our faith journeys. Building a strong community helps us stay committed to God.

What does the Gospel for Tuesday of the 5th Week of Easter teach about following Jesus’ example?

Jesus’ obedience to the Father shows us how to trust and follow God’s guidance. His example reminds us to live with faith and commitment.

How do the readings for Tuesday of the 5th Week of Easter call us to grow in faith?

The readings encourage us to persevere through challenges, trust in God’s peace, and support one another in faith. They remind us that God is always with us, strengthening us.