Fourth Sunday of Easter
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May 6, 2022May 8, 2022
Fourth Sunday of Easter
Acts 13:14, 43-52
Rev 7:9, 14b-17
Jn 10:27-30
GROW AS A DISCIPLE | PRAY, STUDY, ENGAGE, SERVE
GROW: The divisiveness we see in our nation and our world is not new – it is rooted in our original sin. In the Old Testament, the Assyrians invaded the northern kingdom of Israel, forcing many of its citizens into exile and captivity. In the modern world, Russia invades Ukraine and millions of refugees flee. It seems as if this 2200-year-old adage is true: “Nothing is new under the sun!” (Eccl 1:9) Except for Jesus. Of him God says [spoiler for next week!], “Behold I make all things new.” (Rev 21:5) As we hear in today’s first reading, conflict between Jews and Gentiles forced Paul and Barnabas to leave Antioch. In contrast, John in Revelation envisions a world where “every nation, race, people, and tongue” stand before the Lord. For us as for them, Jesus is the path to the unity we desire. That’s not to gloss over real differences and even worse, the horror of war. However, it can be a reminder that no matter what else we do, we need to turn to the Lord first in prayer, asking him to guide us in our response; asking the Holy Spirit to help us see people of all nations, and indeed our very own neighbors, as our brothers and sisters.
GO EVANGELIZE | PRAYER, INVITATION, WITNESS, ACCOMPANIMENT
GO: Judging by the volume wars during our family television sessions, it seems that people have varying levels of ability to hear certain accents and types of voices. I wonder if this capacity to hear properly, or with the necessary level of attention, can sometimes apply to our ability to hear, really hear, the words of Jesus. Perhaps we’re too busy, or other preoccupations crowd out his voice. Today’s Gospel reminds us to tune back in. “My sheep hear my voice; I know them, and they follow me,” Jesus says. In the first reading, Luke describes the Gentiles who lived in Antioch and were “delighted” in hearing the Good News of salvation and who “glorified the word of the Lord,” spreading it “through the whole region.” Today and every day, we can emulate the early Christians by opening our ears (or eyes!) to the word of God through the Scriptures, and in turn sharing that light of salvation to all who need it.
PRAY: Pray Pope Francis’ prayer for peace, found on the USCCB website: www.usccb.org/prayers/pope-francis-prayer-peace. Lord God of peace, hear our prayer!
