5th Sunday of Easter – Year A

May 7, 2023

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Introduction

INTRODUCTION – Easter 5A

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Bulletin Inserts – Easter 5A

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COMMENTARY – Easter 5A

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CHILDREN – Easter 5A

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HOMILIES – Easter 5A

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Easter 5A

“Let not your hearts be troubled,”
Jesus’ words of peace and hope
Place faith in the Lord

In my Father’s house
There are many rooms for all
Eternal abode

I am the Way, Truth
And the Life, no one comes through
The Father but by Me

Believe in My works
Even greater ones will come
Do as I have done

MORE POETRY

5th Sunday of Easter – Year A

April 30, 2023

By: Lawrence Mick

MAY 14, 2017 / NCR SUNDAY RESOURCES

Today’s readings suggest another theme for mystagogy today. The first reading recounts the establishment of the office of deacons in the early church. Though their function in those times is less clear historically than this passage would suggest (deacons in Acts do much more than serving at table), the incident reveals several points worth our reflection.

Notice, first, that this is a process of compromise to heal a division in the church. The Gentiles were calling for more attention from the Twelve. The Twelve wanted to focus on preaching the word of God. The solution was to create a different ministry to tend to the distribution of food.

Second, this teaches us that the church can create new offices to fulfill the real needs of the community of faith. We are not forever locked into the past; the Spirit can guide us today as in the past.

Third, the ministry of serving the community is a diverse one. For too long, Catholics thought that all ministry belonged to the priest (presbyter). We had forgotten the plurality of ministries that existed in the early church. Pope Francis’ call to study the question of women deacons today is a first step to further rethink the diaconate.

Our second reading broadens our view even further by reminding us that all the baptized share in the priesthood of Christ: “Let yourselves be built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.” We are still a long way from fully recovering that truth in our assemblies. I suspect that many Catholics still see the Mass as the action of the priest rather than an action of the whole assembly over which the priest presides.

Unpacking the meaning of baptism (i.e. mystagogy) includes deepening an awareness of the priestly mission of the baptized. Not only are all the baptized called to offer the eucharistic sacrifice, but they are also called to offer the sacrifice of their lives every day in service of the Lord. We are baptized to carry on the mission of the church; baptism is not just for our personal benefit but for the sake of the kingdom of God.

Preachers and planners might focus today on the various ways that the priesthood of Christ is exercised in the world, both through ordained ministries and through the priesthood of the faithful.

Compose petitions that pray for each form of ministry in the church. Pray for the strength to fulfill the ministries entrusted to each member of the assembly. Pray for those served by the various ministries. Pray for vocations to priesthood and diaconate, but also pray for full acceptance of the mission by all the baptized.

Liturgy Prayers

By: Joan DeMerchant

Introduction

We are reminded today that spreading the word about Christ did not go smoothly in the early church. Understanding and accepting Jesus was a slow and often unsuccessful process. It may seem different now, but if we consider our own questions and struggles with faith, we realize that our commitment is not formed overnight. It is often subject to life circumstances that challenge our faith. There is still work to be done in spreading the good news. If we want to contribute to the effort, we might begin with ourselves.