5th Sunday of Easter

The 5th Sunday of Easter shows us how to live as followers of Jesus. The Gospel from each year points to love, unity, and staying close to Christ. In Year A, Jesus calls Himself the way, the truth, and the life. He asks us to trust Him. In Year B, Jesus speaks of the vine and branches. He reminds us that we must remain in Him to bear fruit. In Year C, He gives His new commandment: love one another.

The other readings support these ideas. We hear how the early Church grew through service, faith, and care for one another. Love is not just a feeling; it is action. This Sunday reminds us that being Christian means showing love in daily life. When we stay close to Jesus and love others, we reflect His light in the world. The 5th Sunday of Easter invites us to grow stronger in faith and love.

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

5th Sunday of Easter Year A
5th Sunday of Easter Year B
5th Sunday of Easter Year C

Mass Readings for the 5th Sunday of Easter Year A

See resources, homilies, and more for the 5th Sunday of Easter Year A readings here.

• First Reading – Acts 6:1-7: A conflict that arose within the early Christian community in Jerusalem, as the Greek-speaking widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. The apostles responded by appointing seven men to oversee this task, who were filled with the Holy Spirit and were successful in resolving the issue.
• Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 33: A prayer of praise and trust in God’s mercy, emphasizing the righteousness and faithfulness of the Lord. The psalmist calls on the upright to exult in the Lord, giving thanks and chanting His praises with musical instruments, and declares that the earth is full of the Lord’s kindness. The eyes of the Lord are upon those who fear Him and hope in His kindness, and that He delivers them from death and famine.
• Second Reading – 1 Peter 2:4-9: Jesus is the cornerstone of the Church and Christians are a chosen and royal priesthood. Believers should come to Christ, who is a living stone, and to offer spiritual sacrifices to God through Him. Disciples have been called out of darkness and into God’s marvelous light.
• Gospel – John 14:1-12: Jesus teaches His disciples, assuring them that He will prepare a place for them in His Father’s house and declaring Himself as the way, the truth, and the life. He also tells them that those who believe in Him will do greater works than He has done, and promises to send them the Holy Spirit to guide them.

Mass Readings for the 5th Sunday of Easter Year B

See resources, homilies, and more for the 5th Sunday of Easter Year B readings here.

• First Reading – Acts 9:26-31: Initially distrusted, Saul joins the Jerusalem disciples through Barnabas’s support, speaking boldly about Jesus. Despite threats, he’s safely sent to Tarsus. The church then experiences peaceful growth, strengthened and encouraged by the Holy Spirit.
• Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 22: In the presence of the faithful, I will fulfill my vows and praise the Lord. All nations will turn to Him, and future generations will hear of His righteousness.
• Second Reading – 1 John 3:18-24: We’re called to express love in actions and truth, not just words. A clear conscience gives us confidence before God. Obeying His commandments to believe in Jesus and love one another assures us of God’s indwelling Spirit.
• Gospel –John 15:1-8: Jesus described himself as the true vine and his Father as the gardener. Branches not bearing fruit are removed, while fruitful ones are pruned for more yield. He emphasized staying connected to him, akin to branches on a vine, as the key to bearing fruit. Without him, nothing can be achieved. Unfruitful branches are discarded. Fruitfulness in believers brings glory to God and proves discipleship.

Mass Readings for the 5th Sunday of Easter Year C

See resources, homilies, and more for the 5th Sunday of Easter Year C readings here.

• First Reading – Acts 14:21-27: Paul and Barnabas revisited cities, encouraging disciples and explaining hardships in God’s kingdom. They appointed church leaders, entrusted them to the Lord, and shared their mission success in Antioch, emphasizing God’s outreach to non-Jews.
• Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 145: The Lord’s compassion and mercy extend to all, slow to anger and full of love. His works praise Him, and His followers speak of His eternal kingdom and majestic power.
• Second Reading – Revelation 21:1-5A: John describes a new heaven and earth, with the old gone. He sees a splendid New Jerusalem and hears God proclaim His eternal dwelling with people, erasing all pain and making everything new.
• Gospel – John 13:31-33A, 34-35: Jesus spoke of his imminent glorification, intertwining his honor with God’s. He shared a new commandment with his disciples: to love one another as he loved them. This mutual love among his followers would be the defining mark of their discipleship.

Lookup Other Liturgical Dates in the Lectionary

The Bible and the Lectionary both contain Scripture, but they are used in different ways. The Bible holds all the books of Scripture and can be read in any order for study or prayer. The Lectionary is a collection of selected readings arranged for Mass. It follows the Church’s calendar and highlights key parts of the Bible during each season.

The Lectionary is organized into sections for Sundays, weekdays, and feast days. Each set of readings has a lectionary number. Sunday readings follow a three-year cycle focused on Matthew, Mark, and Luke. The Gospel of John is used during special seasons. Weekday readings follow a two-year cycle. These readings match the season, like joy in Easter or repentance in Lent. For example, the 5th Sunday of Easter includes readings that focus on new life and staying close to Jesus. The lectionary helps Catholics hear important parts of Scripture throughout the year.

How to Determine the Liturgical Year

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

The 5th Sunday of Easter invites us to stay close to Jesus. In all three years, the Gospel reminds us that our connection with Him brings life. In Year A, Jesus says He is the way, the truth, and the life. In Year B, He tells us He is the vine, and we are the branches. In Year C, Jesus gives a clear command: love one another.

The first readings show the early Church growing. They worked together and spread the message of Jesus. They trusted the Lord and cared for one another. This teamwork was a sign of love in action.

The second readings encourage us to keep strong in faith. We are called to live as people who know Jesus and follow His ways. Love is shown not just in words but in how we treat others.

The 5th Sunday of Easter reminds us that love, faith, and unity are the marks of a true disciple.

The 5th Sunday of Easter gives us a chance to look at how we live our faith. The readings speak about love, unity, and staying close to Jesus. Take a moment to reflect on these themes. Are you showing love in your daily life? Are you connected to Jesus like a branch to the vine?

Read the Scriptures for the 5th Sunday of Easter. Think about what they say to you. Have you noticed God working in your life through love or community? If you feel moved, share your thoughts in the comment section. Others may be helped by your story.