Friday of the 5th Week of Easter

Daily Mass Readings for Friday of the 5th Week of Easter

• First Reading - Acts 15:22-31: The early Church leaders gather to address the issue of Gentile believers and their relationship to the Mosaic Law. They decide that the Gentiles should not be burdened with the entire Law but rather are welcomed into the Christian community, emphasizing the importance of unity and acceptance in the Church.
• Responsorial Psalm - Psalm 57: Let us boldly give thanks and praise to the Lord in the midst of all peoples! With unwavering hearts, let us awaken our souls and instruments to declare His greatness at the break of dawn. Embracing His abundant mercy and unwavering faithfulness, let us exalt His glory above the heavens and resound His praises throughout the earth!
• Gospel - John 15:12-17: Jesus commands his disciples to love one another as he has loved them, highlighting sacrificial love as the mark of true friendship. He emphasizes that he has chosen and appointed them for a purpose, to bear lasting fruit in their mission, which is grounded in love.

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

• Unity in the Church: The first reading from Acts 15:22-31 highlights the early Church's concern for unity. It recounts how the apostles and elders gathered in Jerusalem to discuss the issue of Gentile believers and the requirements of the Mosaic Law. They reached a decision, and a letter was sent to the Gentile believers, affirming their acceptance into the Christian community without the burden of observing the entire Mosaic Law. This reading emphasizes the importance of unity within the Church, where diversity of backgrounds and practices can be embraced in a spirit of harmony.
• Love as the New Commandment: The Gospel passage from John 15:12-17 emphasizes the commandment of love given by Jesus to his disciples. Jesus instructs his followers to love one another as he has loved them, and he refers to this as a "new commandment." He further explains that true friendship and love are demonstrated through laying down one's life for others. This reading underscores the centrality of love in Christian life and calls believers to emulate Christ's love by selflessly serving and caring for others.
• The Mission of the Church: The Gospel reading also speaks about the mission of the Church. Jesus reminds his disciples that he chose them and appointed them to go forth and bear fruit, fruit that will remain. He emphasizes the importance of the disciples' mission in spreading the Gospel and bringing others to faith. This reading encourages believers to actively participate in the mission of the Church, sharing the message of Christ's love and salvation with others.

Thoughts for Friday of the 5th Week of Easter

The readings for Friday of the 5th Week of Easter invite us to reflect on the themes of unity, love, and the mission of the Church. They remind us of the foundational values that should guide our lives as followers of Christ.

In the First Reading from Acts, we witness the early Church grappling with the issue of unity. The apostles and elders come together to discuss the relationship between the Gentile believers and the Mosaic Law. In their decision, they recognize the importance of embracing diversity and extending the love of Christ to all, regardless of their cultural or religious background. This passage reminds us that the Church is meant to be a place of unity, where differences are not obstacles but opportunities for growth and understanding. It challenges us to foster an inclusive and welcoming community, where everyone feels valued and loved.

The Gospel reading from John directs our attention to the commandment of love. Jesus sets forth a "new commandment" for his disciples: to love one another as he has loved them. This radical form of love calls us to go beyond mere affection or sentimentality. It demands selflessness, sacrifice, and a willingness to lay down our lives for others. Christ's love is not limited to those who are easy to love or who share our beliefs and values. It extends to all, even to those who may be different or difficult. This passage challenges us to examine our own capacity for love and prompts us to ask ourselves if we are truly living up to the example set by Jesus.

Moreover, the Gospel reading reminds us of the mission entrusted to the Church. Jesus chose and appointed his disciples to bear fruit that will remain. As members of the Church, we are called to actively participate in this mission of spreading the Gospel and bringing others to faith. Our lives should bear witness to the love of Christ, and our actions should reflect his teachings. We are called to be ambassadors of love, reconciliation, and hope in a world that often seems divided and fractured. This passage urges us to reflect on our own commitment to the mission of the Church and to discern how we can more effectively fulfill our role as disciples of Christ.

As we ponder these readings, let us ask ourselves: Are we fostering unity within our communities? Are we living out the commandment of love in our daily interactions? Are we actively engaged in the mission of the Church? May the grace of the Holy Spirit guide us as we seek to respond to these challenges, enabling us to grow in unity, love, and our mission as followers of Christ.

Prayer for Friday of the 5th Week of Easter

Loving God, grant us the grace to cultivate unity, embracing diversity within our communities and extending your love to all. Strengthen us to live out the commandment of love and to actively engage in the mission of the Church, bearing witness to your Gospel in our words and actions. Amen.

USCCB Reflection: Love from God

A video reflection from USCCB for Friday of the 5th Week of Easter. Do we really believe that God wants our friendship? That is the whole point of our salvation history.