Thursday of the 5th Week of Easter

• First Reading – Acts 15:7-21: Peter addresses the Council of Jerusalem, emphasizing that salvation is through the grace of Jesus Christ and not contingent upon adherence to the Mosaic Law. He highlights the universality of God’s love, affirming that both Jews and Gentiles are welcomed into the faith through faith in Christ.
• Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 96: Sing to the LORD, spread His glory and deliverance daily, and declare His just reign over a stable world to all nations.
• Gospel – John 15:9-11: Jesus urges His disciples to abide in His love, emphasizing that keeping His commandments leads to complete joy. By remaining in His love and obeying His teachings, believers experience the fullness of joy that only comes from a deep relationship with Him.

As the Father loves me, so I also love you. Remain in my love.

John 15:9

The readings for Thursday of the 5th Week of Easter focus on God’s love, the joy of following Jesus, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit in the early Church. They remind us to remain faithful and to let God’s love guide our actions and decisions.

• God’s Love for All: In the first reading, Peter speaks about how God’s love is for everyone, not just one group. This reminds us that God calls all people to faith and salvation.
• Joy in Obedience: In the Gospel, Jesus connects obedience to His commandments with remaining in His love. This shows that following Jesus brings lasting joy and peace.
• Guidance of the Holy Spirit: The early Church relies on the Holy Spirit to help resolve disagreements. This teaches us to trust in God’s guidance when we face challenges.
• Living in God’s Love: Jesus invites His disciples to remain in His love as He remains in the Father’s love. This shows the importance of staying close to Him in prayer and action.
• Breaking Down Barriers: Peter’s message reminds us that faith should not have unnecessary obstacles. The early Church works to remove barriers so that all can come to know God.
• The Fruit of Joy: Jesus speaks about His joy being in His followers and their joy being full. This reminds us that a relationship with Jesus brings deep happiness that comes from knowing and trusting Him.

Thursday of the 5th Week of Easter encourages us to remain in God’s love and let His joy fill our hearts. The readings invite us to trust the Holy Spirit’s guidance and to share the love of Jesus with all people.

The readings for Thursday of the 5th Week of Easter focus on God’s love, the importance of staying close to Jesus, and the call to unity and inclusion in faith. Peter speaks about removing barriers so that all people can experience God’s love. Jesus invites His disciples to remain in His love through prayer, action, and obedience to His teachings.

God’s Love Is for Everyone

In the first reading for Thursday of the 5th Week of Easter, Peter emphasizes that God’s love is not limited to one group. He explains that salvation is offered to all who believe, and no unnecessary obstacles should block people from coming to faith. This message highlights the inclusive nature of God’s love.

Peter’s words remind us to welcome others into the faith and avoid creating barriers that make it harder for people to approach God. This can mean being patient, kind, and understanding with others who are seeking Him. It also calls us to reflect on how we share God’s love in our words and actions.

This reflection challenges us to look at our own attitudes. Do we truly believe that God’s love is for everyone, or do we sometimes exclude others through our actions? Peter’s example invites us to show God’s love openly and generously.

Remaining in Jesus’ Love

In the Gospel for Thursday of the 5th Week of Easter, Jesus invites His disciples to remain in His love as He remains in the Father’s love. He teaches that staying close to Him means keeping His commandments and living as He taught. This connection strengthens our relationship with Him and brings us joy.

Remaining in Jesus’ love involves more than feelings—it requires action. We stay close to Him through prayer, reading His word, and showing love to others. When we live this way, we experience the peace and happiness that come from knowing Him.

Jesus’ words encourage us to reflect on how we remain in His love each day. Are we taking time to pray and follow His teachings? Staying close to Jesus helps us grow in faith and share His love with others.

Guided by Love and Unity

Both the first reading and the Gospel for Thursday of the 5th Week of Easter focus on how love guides our actions and strengthens unity. Peter works to remove obstacles to faith, promoting a welcoming and loving community. Jesus calls His followers to live in His love, creating a bond that connects them to Him and to one another.

Love is the foundation of faith and community. It helps us overcome differences, forgive one another, and work together to share God’s message. Both readings remind us that love is not just a feeling but a commitment to live in a way that reflects God’s care for everyone.

This reflection challenges us to let love guide our decisions and relationships. Do we act with kindness and patience, even in difficult situations? By living in love, we grow closer to God and create stronger connections with those around us.

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The reflections for Thursday of the 5th Week of Easter remind us to live in God’s love and to share it with others. They call us to stay connected to Jesus and to let His love guide our actions as we build a welcoming and united community of faith.

Prayer

Lord, thank You for Your love that includes everyone and calls us to remain close to You. Help us to live in Your love and to share it with others through our words and actions. Teach us to build unity and welcome all who seek You. May we always stay connected to You. Amen.

Reflection Questions

• How can you share God’s love with others in a more inclusive way?
• What does it mean for you to remain in Jesus’ love each day?
• How can love guide your actions in challenging situations?
• In what ways can you help build unity in your faith community?

Word on Fire: The Path of Joy

On the Thursday of the 5th Week of Easter, Bishop Robert Barron reflects on the connection between joy and commandments in the Gospel. He explains that although commandments often suggest duty and discipline, they are intrinsically linked to joy. True joy comes from aligning with God’s nature of love and self-giving.

By embracing and living out the commandment to love one another as Jesus loves us, we fulfill our deepest longing for joy. Bishop Barron highlights that living as a gift to others is the pathway to acquiring God and experiencing profound joy.

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

The next date is Thursday May 22, 2025.

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

The Mass readings for Thursday May 22, 2025 are:
First Reading – Acts 15:7-21: Guidance for Gentiles
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 96: Proclaiming God’s Majesty
Gospel – John 15:9-11: Abiding in Love

Why does Peter say that God’s love is for everyone in the first reading for Thursday of the 5th Week of Easter?

Peter explains that God shows no favoritism and welcomes people from all backgrounds. This teaches that salvation is open to everyone who believes and follows Him.

How does the Holy Spirit guide the early Church in the first reading?

The Holy Spirit helps the apostles make decisions about faith and practice. This shows that God continues to guide His Church through prayer and discernment.

Why is Peter’s message about removing obstacles important?

Peter emphasizes that unnecessary rules should not prevent people from coming to faith. This reminds us to focus on what truly matters and make God’s love accessible to all.

What does the first reading teach about community?

The first reading shows how the early Church worked together to resolve disagreements. This reminds us of the importance of unity and seeking God’s guidance as a community.

What does it mean to remain in Jesus’ love in the Gospel for Thursday of the 5th Week of Easter?

Remaining in Jesus’ love means staying close to Him through prayer, following His commandments, and living as He taught. It is about maintaining a strong and faithful relationship with Him.

What does Jesus mean by saying obedience brings joy?

Jesus teaches that following His commandments leads to a deep and lasting joy. Obedience helps us live in harmony with God’s will and experience true peace.

What kind of joy does Jesus promise in the Gospel for Thursday of the 5th Week of Easter?

Jesus speaks of a joy that comes from being close to Him and following His teachings. This joy is not temporary but lasts because it is rooted in His love.

How can we apply the idea of living in God’s love to our daily lives?

Living in God’s love means showing kindness, forgiveness, and care for others. It also means staying connected to God through prayer and trust in His guidance.

Why is the connection between love and obedience important in the Gospel?

Jesus shows that true love for Him is expressed in following His commandments. Obedience helps us grow in our relationship with God and live according to His will.

What do these readings for Thursday of the 5th Week of Easter teach about trusting the Holy Spirit?

The readings remind us to rely on the Holy Spirit for guidance and strength. The Spirit helps us navigate challenges and remain faithful to God’s plan.