Discipleship is about an Eternal Relationship
A Reflection for the 5th Sunday of Easter
Brent Smith, Director of Adult Faith Formation & Evangelization
Everyone is meant to thrive within life’s highs and lows. While enthusiasm is natural during moments of success and harmony, bitterness is expected as the common reaction to failure and division. Sometimes, however, feelings of joy are fringed with apprehension; in the celebration of one accomplishment, another ordeal may lurk in the corner of one’s mind. Likewise, disappointment is lessened by the realization of a hidden blessing. In the Scriptures for this Sunday, the Word of God counsels us to commit ourselves to an eternal relationship. The Living Word calls every man and woman to entrust life itself to God, regardless of the successes and failures that can define a person’s life.
After Jesus Christ’s resurrection from the tomb and ascension to Heaven, the first Christian community progressively grew; thanks to the dynamic preaching & miraculous healings done by the Apostles, “The word of God continued to spread, and the number of the disciples in Jerusalem increased greatly” (Acts 6:7). An injustice came to light among them: the Hellenist widows were not being cared for by the leaders of the community. The reason is likely due to a language barrier or simply lack of organization, both of which are remedied by Greek named “seven reputable men, filled with the [Holy] Spirit and wisdom… appointed to this task” (Acts 6:3). Although neglect harmed the community, the problem was rightfully addressed, and the disciples renewed their efforts to sustain their shared life in Christ.
In the Gospel (John 14:1-12), Jesus encourages his followers to find contentment through faith in him. He goes on further to say the eternal home of his Father is a welcoming place for those who desire a lasting relationship with him. Divine Mercy does extend to non-Christians who fought to live sacrificially loving lives, yet how privileged is the devout disciple who looks to Jesus Christ as “the way and the truth and the life” (John 12:6)!
Please pray with me: Heavenly Father, thank you for sending your beloved Son into the world. May all embrace the eternal salvation found through Him. St. Peter, St. Thomas, and St. Philip; all you holy Apostles, pray for us. Amen.