Wednesday of the 5th Week of Easter
Wednesday May 21, 2025
Daily Mass Readings for Wednesday of the 5th Week of Easter
- First Reading – Acts 15:1-6: Some believers who were formerly Pharisees argued that Gentile converts must be circumcised and follow the Mosaic Law in order to be saved. The apostles and elders held a council to discuss and resolve this issue, affirming that salvation is through faith in Jesus Christ alone and that Gentile converts do not need to follow the Mosaic Law.
- Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 122: We rejoiced upon entering Jerusalem, standing within its gates. The city, where tribes gather to praise the Lord, houses the thrones of justice of David’s house.
- Gospel – John 15:1-8: Jesus uses the metaphor of a vine and its branches to teach his disciples about the importance of abiding in him. He explains that just as a branch cannot bear fruit unless it remains connected to the vine, his disciples cannot bear spiritual fruit unless they remain connected to him.
Just as a branch cannot bear fruit on its own unless it remains on the vine, so neither can you unless you remain in me.
John 15:4
Themes for the Readings for Wednesday of the 5th Week of Easter
The readings for Wednesday of the 5th Week of Easter highlight the importance of unity, growth in faith, and staying connected to Jesus. They show the early Church navigating challenges and Jesus teaching His disciples to remain in Him as the true vine.
- Unity in the Church: The first reading describes how the early Church faced disagreements about tradition and faith. This shows the need for open dialogue and unity in resolving differences.
- Guidance from Leadership: The apostles and elders meet to address the concerns of the community. This highlights the importance of seeking guidance from wise and faithful leaders in the Church.
- Remaining in Jesus: In the Gospel, Jesus calls His disciples to remain in Him as branches connected to the vine. This teaches us that staying close to Jesus helps us grow and bear good fruit.
- Bearing Fruit in Faith: Jesus speaks of the importance of producing fruit as His followers. This reminds us that our faith must be active, showing love, kindness, and service to others.
- Pruning for Growth: Jesus mentions pruning, symbolizing the challenges we face that help us grow stronger in faith. This shows that God’s care sometimes involves removing what is not good for us.
- Dependence on Jesus: The Gospel emphasizes that without Jesus, we can do nothing. This reminds us to rely on His strength and guidance in every part of our lives.
Wednesday of the 5th Week of Easter encourages us to stay united in faith and connected to Jesus as the source of our strength. The readings remind us to trust in God’s care and to let our faith produce good works that glorify Him.
Reflection for Wednesday of the 5th Week of Easter
The readings for Wednesday of the 5th Week of Easter invite us to reflect on unity, dependence on Jesus, and growth through challenges. The early Church shows the importance of open dialogue and working together to strengthen the community. Jesus reminds us that staying connected to Him is the source of our strength and ability to bear fruit in our lives.
Unity Through Open Dialogue
In the first reading for Wednesday of the 5th Week of Easter, the early Church faces disagreements about faith and tradition. Some believers raise concerns about practices, and the apostles and elders gather to discuss and seek a solution. This moment highlights the need for open dialogue and unity in resolving conflicts.
The apostles and elders show patience and wisdom in addressing the issues. They listen to one another and work together to strengthen the community. Their actions remind us that unity requires effort and a willingness to seek common ground.
This reflection challenges us to consider how we handle disagreements in our own communities. Do we approach them with patience and a desire for understanding? The example of the early Church encourages us to work toward unity and to support one another in faith.
Relying on Jesus’ Strength
The Gospel for Wednesday of the 5th Week of Easter emphasizes that without Jesus, we can do nothing. He describes Himself as the vine and His followers as the branches, teaching that staying connected to Him is essential for growth. Without this connection, the branches cannot bear fruit.
This reminds us that Jesus is the source of all strength and guidance. When we rely on Him, He helps us to live with faith and purpose. Trying to do things on our own often leads to frustration, but trusting in Jesus brings peace and direction.
We are called to remain close to Jesus through prayer, Scripture, and living His teachings. This connection helps us grow in faith and share His love with others. The Gospel encourages us to rely on Him in every part of our lives.
Growth Through Challenges
Both the first reading and the Gospel for Wednesday of the 5th Week of Easter highlight the idea of growth through challenges. The early Church faces disagreements that require careful thought and unity to resolve. In the Gospel, Jesus speaks about pruning, a process that helps branches bear more fruit.
Challenges are not always easy, but they can lead to greater strength and faith. The early Church’s experience shows how addressing difficulties with patience and openness can build unity. Similarly, the pruning mentioned in the Gospel reminds us that God’s care sometimes involves removing what is harmful or unnecessary.
This theme invites us to reflect on how challenges have helped us grow in our faith. Do we trust that God can use difficulties to shape us for the better? These readings encourage us to embrace challenges as opportunities for growth and deeper reliance on Jesus.
The reflections for Wednesday of the 5th Week of Easter encourage us to trust in Jesus and embrace challenges as opportunities for growth. May we strive for unity, rely on His strength, and remain close to Him as we live out our faith.
Prayer
Lord, thank You for guiding us and helping us grow through challenges. Teach us to rely on Your strength and remain close to You in all that we do. Help us to seek unity with others and to trust in Your care. May we bear good fruit in our lives. Amen.
Reflection Questions
- How do you approach disagreements in your community with patience and unity?
- What does it mean to you to remain connected to Jesus as the vine?
- How have challenges helped you grow in your faith and trust in God?
- In what ways can you bear fruit in your daily life by living out your faith?
Homilies and Commentaries for Wednesday of the 5th Week of Easter
Word on Fire: Participants
Bishop Robert Barron reflects on the Gospel for Wednesday of the 5th Week of Easter, where Jesus compares Himself to a vine and His followers to branches, emphasizing the importance of being actively connected to Him. He suggests that Jesus seeks not just worshippers but active participants in His life and mission.
The idea of “divinization,” where humans partake in the divine nature, is highlighted as the ultimate goal. This concept is supported by the Incarnation—God becoming human so that humans might share in God’s divine nature. This transformative relationship is crucial for understanding our purpose and experiencing spiritual power.
Questions and Answers for Wednesday of the 5th Week of Easter
What date is Wednesday of the 5th Week of Easter?
The next date is Wednesday May 21, 2025.
What are the Mass readings for Wednesday of the 5th Week of Easter?
The Mass readings for Wednesday May 21, 2025 are:
First Reading – Acts 15:1-6: The Jerusalem Meeting
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 122: Rejoicing in Worship
Gospel – John 15:1-8: Abiding in Christ
Why were the apostles and elders meeting in the first reading for Wednesday of the 5th Week of Easter?
The apostles and elders met to discuss disagreements about faith and tradition. They worked together to find solutions that would keep the community united.
What does the first reading teach about resolving disagreements?
The reading shows the importance of listening and seeking guidance from faithful leaders. Open dialogue helps resolve issues and strengthen unity in the Church.
How can the first reading apply to our lives?
The first reading teaches us to work together to resolve differences in faith and practice. It reminds us to seek wisdom and unity in our communities.
What does Jesus mean by remaining in the vine?
Jesus is saying that we need to stay connected to Him, just like branches are connected to a vine. When we stay close to Him, we grow in faith and bear good works.
What does it mean to bear fruit as followers of Jesus in the Gospel for Wednesday of the 5th Week of Easter?
Bearing fruit means living our faith in actions like kindness, love, and service. It shows that we are growing in our relationship with Jesus.
What is the meaning of pruning in the Gospel for Wednesday of the 5th Week of Easter?
Pruning refers to the challenges and changes God allows in our lives to help us grow in faith. It shows that God cares about helping us become better.
Why does Jesus say we can do nothing without Him?
Jesus reminds us that our strength and ability to do good come from Him. Staying connected to Him helps us live in faith and follow His teachings.
What can we learn from the image of the vine and branches?
The vine and branches teach us about the importance of staying close to Jesus. This connection gives us the strength and guidance to live as His followers.
How can we remain in Jesus as He asks in the Gospel?
We remain in Jesus by praying, reading His word, and following His teachings. Living in His love keeps us connected to Him.
What does the Gospel teach about dependence on Jesus?
The Gospel reminds us that we need Jesus in every part of our lives. Trusting in Him gives us the strength to grow in faith and serve others.
Staying United and Bearing Fruit
The readings for Wednesday of the 5th Week of Easter focus on unity in the Church and remaining connected to Jesus. In the first reading, the apostles and elders meet to address disagreements about faith and practices. Their discussion shows the importance of working together to strengthen the community and maintain unity.
In the Gospel, Jesus describes Himself as the true vine, and His followers as the branches. He emphasizes the need to remain connected to Him to grow and bear fruit. Jesus also speaks of pruning, reminding us that challenges can help us become stronger in our faith.
These readings encourage us to seek unity in our communities and to trust in God’s care as we face trials. They remind us that staying close to Jesus helps us grow in faith and share His love with others.
Your Turn
Reflect on the readings for Wednesday of the 5th Week of Easter. How do you stay connected to Jesus, the true vine? Consider how the apostles worked together to address disagreements and how you can build unity in your faith community. Think about how pruning has helped you grow in your relationship with God.
Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments to inspire and encourage others in their faith journey.
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