5th Sunday of Easter Year A

• First Reading – Acts 6:1-7: To address Greek-speaking widows’ needs, the apostles delegated food distribution to seven Spirit-filled men. This allowed apostles more time for prayer and teaching, leading to the spread of faith and conversions, even among Jewish priests.
• Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 33: Righteous ones, rejoice and praise the Lord with music. His word is true, His works dependable, loving justice and fairness. He watches over and sustains those who trust in Him.
• Second Reading – 1 Peter 2:4-9: We are urged to draw near to Christ, the living cornerstone, and become living stones ourselves, forming a spiritual house and priesthood. While precious to believers, Christ is a stumbling block to unbelievers. We are chosen to proclaim God’s excellence, brought from darkness to light.
• Gospel – John 14:1-12: Jesus comforted his disciples, urging trust in him as in God. He spoke of preparing a place for them in heaven, promising to return for them. Thomas’ query about the way was met with Jesus’ declaration of being the way, truth, and life, the sole path to the Father. Philip’s request to see the Father led Jesus to emphasize his unity with the Father, urging belief in this divine relationship and promising greater works for believers.

Lectionary Reference: 52

Upcoming dates: May 3, 2026, April 29, 2029, April 25, 2032

The 5th Sunday of Easter Year A focuses on faith, service, and the role of Jesus in our lives. The readings show how the early Church grew, how believers are called to be living stones, and how Jesus is the way to the Father.

• Faith in Jesus: Jesus tells His disciples to trust in Him. He shows them that He is the way to God, and faith in Him leads to eternal life.
• Serving Others: The first reading shows the apostles choosing helpers to care for those in need. The Church must serve others and make sure no one is forgotten.
• Jesus as the Cornerstone: The second reading calls Jesus the cornerstone of God’s house. Those who follow Him become part of this spiritual building.
• God’s Chosen People: Believers are called a holy people in the second reading. They are chosen to share God’s light with the world.
• Following the Way: Jesus says He is the way, the truth, and the life. He leads people to the Father, and no one can go to God except through Him.
• Works of Faith: Jesus says His followers will do great works in His name. Faith leads to action, and believers must continue His mission on earth.

Jesus calls His followers to trust in Him, serve others, and live as God’s chosen people. The Church must continue His mission with faith and love.

Trust in Jesus: The Way, The Truth, The Life Lesson Plan

The 5th Sunday of Easter Year A teaches that Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. In a world full of distractions and uncertainties, it can be hard to know the right path. The Gospel reminds us that Jesus is always with us, guiding us toward what is good and true. He promises to prepare a place for us and to lead us through life’s struggles.

Trusting in Jesus gives us direction and purpose. The 5th Sunday of Easter Year A encourages us to rely on His teachings when we feel lost or uncertain. By following Him, we find strength to face challenges and hope in His promise of eternal life. Faith in Jesus helps us stay on the right path, no matter what we face.

Litany of the Way, the Truth, and the Life

The 5th Sunday of Easter Year A reminds us that Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. The litany reflects this message by calling on Jesus as our guide, our source of truth, and the giver of life. He leads us to the Father, shows us how to live, and offers us the gift of eternal life. By following Him, we find direction, wisdom, and strength.

This Sunday’s Gospel teaches that trusting Jesus brings peace in uncertain times. The 5th Sunday of Easter Year A encourages us to rely on Him, knowing that He is always with us. The litany helps us remember that Jesus lights our path, fills us with truth, and gives us life. When we stay close to Him, we are never lost.

The Way and the Truth and the Life Coloring Page and Lesson

The 5th Sunday of Easter Year A teaches that Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. This message is important for everyone, especially children, as they grow in faith. A simple way to help them understand is by encouraging them to think about what it means to follow Jesus. He is not just a teacher but the path that leads to God.

The Gospel for the 5th Sunday of Easter Year A reminds us that trusting Jesus brings purpose and direction. Faith is more than just rules; it is about a relationship with Him. Children can learn to trust Jesus in their daily lives by praying, showing kindness, and helping others. When they understand that Jesus is the way, they can begin to follow Him with confidence.

Corporal Works of Mercy

The 5th Sunday of Easter Year A reminds us that faith is more than belief—it is also action. In the first reading, the apostles appoint helpers to serve the widows, showing the importance of caring for those in need. This connects to the Corporal Works of Mercy, which call us to serve others by feeding the hungry, giving drink to the thirsty, and helping the poor. By following Jesus, we are called to show love through acts of kindness and service.

The Gospel for the 5th Sunday of Easter Year A teaches that Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. He leads us to the Father and shows us how to live with love and compassion. When we practice the Corporal Works of Mercy, we follow His example and bring His light to others. Serving those in need is a way to live our faith and share God’s love with the world.

Knowing Jesus and the Father

In his reflection for the 5th Sunday of Easter Year A, Jeff Cavins talks about how Jesus reveals the Father. Thomas and Philip ask Jesus big questions, and He responds by saying that He is the way, the truth, and the life. Jesus tells Philip that seeing Him is the same as seeing the Father. This means that everything Jesus says and does shows who God is. When people look at Jesus, they learn to trust in God.

Jeff Cavins connects this to how Christians live. The 5th Sunday of Easter Year A reminds us that our actions reveal what we believe. Jesus says His followers will do His works, showing His love to the world. Jeff shares a story about his father, whose actions showed love and faithfulness. Just as Jesus revealed the Father, Christians are called to show Jesus through their daily lives.

Building His House

In his reflection for the 5th Sunday of Easter Year A, Scott Hahn explains that Jesus has gone ahead to prepare a place for His followers. His Father’s house is no longer a physical temple but the Church, built on Jesus as the cornerstone. Peter teaches that believers are living stones, called to offer spiritual sacrifices to God. Just as Israel was chosen to praise God, Christians are now a royal priesthood, meant to glorify Him through their lives.

Scott Hahn connects this to the growth of the early Church. The 5th Sunday of Easter Year A shows how the apostles appointed deacons so they could focus on preaching. The Church continues Jesus’ work, spreading His Word with power. Jesus tells His followers not to be troubled but to trust Him. His Word is strong and trustworthy, bringing new life to all who believe.

Jesus the Cornerstone of Our Lives

In this Life Teen reflection for the 5th Sunday of Easter Year A, Joel Stepanek focuses on Jesus as the cornerstone. The readings show how the early Church responded to new needs by appointing deacons, reminding us that God calls people to serve in different ways. The Gospel highlights Jesus’ words that He is the way, the truth, and the life. When we build our lives around Him, everything else falls into place.

The 5th Sunday of Easter Year A also reminds us that Jesus’ followers are called to do His works and even greater ones. This does not mean just miracles but also daily sacrifices, acts of love, and service. Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection allow believers to continue His mission in new times and places. By trusting in Him and offering our lives to God, we take part in His work and bring His love into the world.

The 5th Sunday of Easter Year A offers lessons on faith, service, and trust in Jesus. The readings show how the early Church worked together, how believers are called to be living stones, and how Jesus is the way to the Father. These themes remind us that faith is not just about belief but also about action. By following Jesus, we grow in love and become stronger as a community.

Unity, Service, and Leadership in the Early Church

The 5th Sunday of Easter Year A shows how the early Christians faced problems and worked together to solve them. In the first reading, some widows were not getting the food they needed. The apostles saw the problem and took action. They chose seven men to help so that everyone was cared for, and they could focus on teaching and prayer.

This moment in the early Church teaches the importance of unity. The community did not ignore the problem or let it cause division. Instead, they worked together to find a fair solution. In our own lives, we are called to do the same. When challenges arise, we must seek ways to bring people together rather than letting problems separate us.

The reading also highlights service. The apostles knew that preaching was important, but they also knew they had to care for others. Instead of handling everything themselves, they made sure that help was given to those in need. This reminds us that faith is not just about prayer but also about action.

Leadership and delegation are also key lessons. The apostles knew they could not do everything alone. They trusted others to take on responsibilities. This teaches us to recognize our own limits and share the work with others. In families, workplaces, and parishes, teamwork is essential for success.

The 5th Sunday of Easter Year A reminds us to work for unity, serve others, and be wise leaders. When challenges come, we must respond with faith and action. The Church grows stronger when its members work together with love and purpose.

Trusting in the Words of Jesus

The Gospel for the 5th Sunday of Easter Year A brings words of comfort and hope. Jesus tells His disciples not to be troubled and to trust in Him. He speaks about preparing a place for them and promises that they will be with Him. These words were meant to encourage His followers as He prepared to leave them.

Jesus reminds them that He is the way, the truth, and the life. He is the path to God, and through Him, people find real meaning. This message is important for us too. When life is uncertain, faith in Jesus brings strength and direction. He shows us how to live and how to reach the Father.

The disciples struggle to understand His words. Thomas asks how they can know the way. This shows that even those closest to Jesus had doubts and questions. Many people today feel the same way. Faith is not always easy, but Jesus calls us to trust Him even when we do not fully understand.

Jesus also tells them that those who believe in Him will do great works. This does not mean miracles alone, but also acts of love, kindness, and service. His followers continue His mission by bringing hope to others. Each person has a role in sharing God’s love through daily actions.

The 5th Sunday of Easter Year A reminds us to trust in Jesus. He is the way to peace and eternal life. When doubts or fears come, we can rely on His promises and follow Him with confidence.

Living the Way of Jesus

Jesus calls Himself the way, the truth, and the life in the Gospel for the 5th Sunday of Easter Year A. This means more than just believing in Him. It means following His example in how we live each day. He does not just teach about God—He shows us how to live in relationship with Him.

The early Christians put this into practice. In the first reading, they face a challenge but work together to care for those in need. They recognize that faith is not just about words but about action. Their decision to appoint helpers allows both prayer and service to continue. This balance is important for every Christian community.

Living the way of Jesus means putting faith into action. It means caring for the poor, being honest, and treating others with kindness. It is not always easy, but Jesus shows that following Him leads to true life. He is the path that brings people closer to God.

Each person is called to be part of this mission. The second reading describes believers as living stones in God’s house. This means that each person has a role in building up the Church. By living according to Jesus’ teachings, we help others see His truth.

The 5th Sunday of Easter Year A reminds us that faith is a way of life. It is not just about knowing the truth but living it. Jesus shows the way, and we are called to follow Him with trust and love.

The 5th Sunday of Easter Year A invites us to trust in Jesus, serve others, and live as part of God’s people. The early Christians faced challenges but worked together in faith. We are called to do the same in our lives. When we follow Jesus, we find strength, purpose, and the way to God.

Prayer

Lord, help us to trust in You and follow Your way. Teach us to serve others with love and work together in unity. Give us the strength to live as Your people and share Your truth. Guide us in faith, and lead us to You. Amen.

• How does the first reading show the importance of working together?
• What can we learn from the apostles choosing helpers to serve others?
• How can we apply the message of service to our own lives?
• What does it mean for Jesus to be the way, the truth, and the life?
• How can we trust in Jesus when we face doubts or fears?
• Why is faith more than just believing?
• What does it mean to be a living stone in God’s house?
• How can we continue Jesus’ work in the world?
• What challenges make it hard to follow Jesus, and how can we overcome them?
• How can we strengthen our faith and help others do the same?

The readings for the 5th Sunday of Easter Year A focus on trusting Jesus, following His way, and serving others. The music selections reflect these themes with songs of praise, surrender, and faith. Some remind us that Jesus is the foundation of our lives, like the cornerstone of a strong building. Others call us to serve with love, just as the apostles ensured that those in need were cared for. Songs of worship and thanksgiving also fit well, helping us focus on God’s goodness and the promise of eternal life.

• All Creatures of Our God and King by William Henry Draper
• Build My Life by Pat Barrett
• Cornerstone by Hillsong Worship
• Find Us Ready by Tom Booth
• For the Beauty of the Earth by Folliott Pierpoint
• God We Praise You by Christopher Idle
• Holy Is the Lord by Chris Tomlin
• Hosanna/Praise Is Rising by Benton Brown
• How Can I Keep From Singing by Robert Lowry
• How Firm a Foundation by Kevin Keil
• I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say by Horatius Bonar
• I Received the Living God by Don Clement Jacob
• I Sing the Mighty Power of God by Isaac Watts
• King of My Heart by Sarah McMillan
• Lead Me Lord by John Becker
• Lord I Need You by Matt Maher
• Psalm 33: Lord, Let Your Mercy by Bob Dufford
• Servant Song by Sr. Donna Marie McGill
• Sing a New Church by Gary Daigle, Gene Garcia, John Gardner, Kate Cuddy and Matt McKenzie
• Take and Eat
• The Way by Pat Barrett
• There’s a Wideness in God’s Mercy by Fredrick William Faber
• Where My Father Lives by M.D. Ridge
• Your Love Awakens Me by Phil Wickham

Music directors and musicians can use these selections to enhance worship and bring the message of the 5th Sunday of Easter Year A to life. Consider trying these songs in your parish and reflecting on how they connect to the readings. If you have other suggestions, share them in the comments so others can discover new ways to celebrate this Sunday’s themes.

What date is the 5th Sunday of Easter Year A?

The next date is Sunday May 3, 2026.
For other years see the links below:
5th Sunday of Easter Year B
5th Sunday of Easter Year C

What are the Mass readings for the 5th Sunday of Easter Year A?

The Mass readings for Sunday May 3, 2026 are:
First Reading – Acts 6:1-7: Appointment of the Seven
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 33: Sing Joyfully to the Lord
Second Reading – 1 Peter 2:4-9: Living Stones
Gospel – John 14:1-12: The Way, the Truth, and the Life

Why do the apostles choose helpers in the first reading?

The apostles cannot do everything alone. They choose helpers to make sure everyone is cared for.

Why do the apostles focus on preaching instead of serving food?

Their main job is to teach about Jesus. They choose others to help with daily needs so they can focus on spreading the faith.

How does the 5th Sunday of Easter Year A show the importance of service?

The first reading shows that the Church must care for those in need. Faith is not just about prayer but also about helping others.

What does it mean that Jesus is the cornerstone?

A cornerstone is the first and strongest stone in a building. Jesus is the foundation of faith, and believers are built on Him.

What does the second reading mean by calling believers a holy people?

God chooses believers to follow Him and share His goodness with others. They must live in a way that honors Him.

What can we learn from the 5th Sunday of Easter Year A about building a strong faith?

The second reading shows that believers must build their lives on Jesus. Faith grows when people trust Him and live as part of His Church.

What does Jesus mean when He says He is the way, the truth, and the life?

Jesus is the only path to God. He shows the truth and gives life that never ends.

What does Jesus mean when He says His followers will do great works?

Faith leads to action. Those who believe in Jesus will continue His work by helping others and sharing His message.

How can the 5th Sunday of Easter Year A help us trust in God?

The Gospel shows that Jesus tells His followers not to be troubled. He reminds them to trust in Him because He leads them to God.

How can the message of the 5th Sunday of Easter Year A help us today?

It reminds people to trust Jesus, serve others, and stay strong in faith. These lessons help in daily life and in hard times.