6th Sunday of Easter

On the 6th Sunday of Easter, the themes focus on love and the Holy Spirit. Jesus tells His disciples to love one another as He has loved them. He also promises to send the Holy Spirit to help and guide them. This Sunday reminds us that love is at the heart of our faith and that the Holy Spirit is always with us, offering support and guidance in our daily lives.

Click on the appropriate year below to see resources, themes, homilies, and more. See how to determine the correct year.

6th Sunday of Easter Year A
6th Sunday of Easter Year B
6th Sunday of Easter Year C

Mass Readings for the 6th Sunday of Easter Year A

See resources, homilies, and more for the 6th Sunday of Easter Year A readings here.

First Reading – Acts 8:5-8, 14-17: Philip goes to Samaria and preaches the word of God to the people, performing many miraculous signs and healings, which resulted in many people believing and being baptized. Peter and John arrive in Samaria and prayed for the new believers, laying their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 66: A psalm of praise to God, encouraging all people to shout joyfully, sing praises, and proclaim His glorious deeds. The psalmist recounts God’s great works, including changing the sea into dry land and ruling by His might forever, and invites all who fear God to declare His goodness.

Second Reading – 1 Peter 3:15-18: Peter instructs believers to always be ready to give a defense of their faith with gentleness and respect, even in the face of persecution. He then reminds them of the example of Christ, who suffered and died for our sins, but was raised to life by the power of God.
Gospel – John 14:15-21: Jesus promises his disciples that if they love Him, they will keep His commandments, and He will ask the Father to send them the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, to be with them forever. He also promises that He will come to them and reveal Himself to them, and whoever loves Him and keeps His word will be loved by the Father, and they will dwell with Him.

Mass Readings for the 6th Sunday of Easter Year B

See resources, homilies, and more for the 6th Sunday of Easter Year B readings here.

First Reading – Acts 10:25-26, 34-35, 44-48: Peter realized God’s impartiality and while he spoke, the Holy Spirit filled everyone present, Jew and Gentile alike. Peter baptized the Gentiles, affirming their reception of the Spirit.
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 98: Sing to the LORD for His marvelous deeds and victory. He has revealed His salvation and righteousness to all people, remembering His love and faithfulness to Israel.
Second Reading – 1 John 4:7-1: Love originates from God, and those who love know Him, because God is love itself. God demonstrated His love by sending His Son as a sacrifice for our sins.

Gospel – John 15:9-17: Jesus instructs His disciples about remaining in His love by obeying His commandments, similar to His adherence to the Father’s. He desires their complete joy through this mutual love. Emphasizing the ultimate expression of love—sacrificing one’s life for friends—he elevates them from servants to friends, sharing divine truths. Jesus underscores His choice of them to bear lasting fruit and assures that their requests in His name will be granted by the Father. His central command: love one another.

Mass Readings for the 6th Sunday of Easter Year C

See resources, homilies, and more for the 6th Sunday of Easter Year C readings here.

First Reading – Acts 15:1-2, 22-29: The apostles decided not to burden Gentile believers with circumcision but asked them to avoid certain practices. They sent a letter with representatives to confirm this decision.

Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 67: May God bless us and guide the nations, so all peoples praise Him with joy and respect His ways.
Second Reading – Revelation 21:10-14, 22-23: The angel showed me Jerusalem, shining with God’s glory. It had twelve gates and foundations named after the tribes of Israel and apostles. God and the Lamb are its temple and light.
Gospel – John 14:23-29: Jesus promises the Holy Spirit will teach and remind us of His words. He leaves His peace and tells us not to be afraid, preparing us for His return to the Father.

More About Lectionary Cycles

To understand the difference between a Bible and a Lectionary, how the Lectionary is arranged, and which Bible translations are used at Mass, visit this resource. The Lectionary contains selected Bible readings for Mass, arranged for each Sunday, like the 6th Sunday of Easter. On this Sunday, we hear about Jesus promising the Holy Spirit and teaching us about love and obedience. The Lectionary helps us hear these important teachings in a structured way, deepening our faith each week.

How to Determine the Liturgical Year for the 6th Sunday of Easter

The liturgical cycle is a three-year sequence of A, B, and C.

2024 is Year B

2025 is Year C
2026 is Year A
2027 is Year B

2028 is Year C
2029 is Year A
2030 is Year B

2031 is Year C
… and so on