Thursday of the 5th Week of Easter

Daily Mass Readings for 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: Let the joyful song of praise resound throughout the lands, for the Lord is worthy of all adoration. Proclaim to all nations the marvelous deeds and salvation of God, declaring His sovereignty and just rule over all peoples.
• 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.

Themes for the Daily Mass Readings for Thursday of the 5th Week of Easter

• Inclusion: The first reading from Acts 15:7-21 discusses the Council of Jerusalem, where the early Church leaders debated whether Gentile converts needed to adhere to Jewish customs. This theme emphasizes the acceptance and inclusion of all believers, regardless of their cultural background.
• The guidance of the Holy Spirit: In the first reading, the Holy Spirit's role in guiding the Church's decision-making process is highlighted. This theme underscores the importance of seeking the Holy Spirit's guidance in making important decisions and discerning God's will.
• Joy as a fruit of discipleship: The Gospel reading speaks of the connection between abiding in God's love and experiencing true joy. This theme suggests that a deep and intimate relationship with God leads to a profound and lasting joy that transcends circumstances.
• Unity and harmony among believers: Acts 15:7-21 emphasizes the need for unity and harmony among believers, despite their cultural differences. This theme promotes the idea of a united and diverse Church that stands as a witness to the world.
• Fulfillment of the law: The first reading touches on the question of whether Gentile believers should adhere to Jewish laws and customs. The new covenant in Christ fulfills and supersedes the requirements of the Mosaic law.

Thoughts for Thursday of the 5th Week of Easter

The readings for Thursday of the 5th Week of Easter invite us to reflect on the profound connection between love and obedience, reminding us of the transforming power of Christ's love in our lives. Let us open our hearts to the Holy Spirit and allow the Word of God to guide our reflections.

In the first reading, we encounter the early Church grappling with the question of whether Gentile believers should be required to follow Jewish customs, such as circumcision, in order to become Christians. The apostles and elders gathered together for the Council of Jerusalem, and after much discussion, Peter addresses the assembly. He emphasizes the fundamental truth that salvation comes through the grace of Jesus Christ alone, irrespective of one's observance of the Mosaic Law. This pivotal moment highlights the universality of God's love and the freedom we find in Christ.

Jesus, in the Gospel of John, calls us to love others selflessly and sacrificially. In obeying this commandment, we find true joy and fulfillment, for it is through acts of love that we participate in the very life of God.

Jesus assures us that if we keep His commandments and abide in His love, our joy will be complete. Obedience to God's will is not burdensome but liberating. When we align our lives with His teachings and surrender our will to Him, we experience the peace and joy that surpass all understanding. Our obedience becomes an expression of our love for God, as we trust in His wisdom and rely on His grace to guide us along the path of righteousness.

On this Thursday of the 5th Week of Easter, let us think about the inseparable bond between love and obedience. Through the example of the Council of Jerusalem and Jesus' commandment of love, we are reminded that salvation is a gift freely given to all who embrace Christ's love, and that our response is to live in joyful obedience. As we abide in His love and keep His commandments, may our lives be transformed, and may our love for one another bear witness to the power and reality of the risen Christ in our midst.

Prayer for Thursday of the 5th Week of Easter

Heavenly Father, grant us the grace to embrace your commandment of love and walk in joyful obedience, that our lives may be a testament to the transformative power of Christ's love within us. May our actions and words be filled with compassion and mercy, reflecting the abundant love we have received from our Savior. Amen.

USCCB Reflection: Joy and Sorrow

A video reflection from USCCB for Thursday of the 5th Week of Easter. How do we find joy in times of sorrow? Remain in God's love.