FIFTH SUNDAY OF EASTER

 

READINGS AT MASS

Acts 14:21-27

Psalm 145

Rev. 21:1-5

John 13: 31-35

Theme: THE MARK OF A CHRISTIAN

Dear friends in Christ, N'wokafu YESU KRISTO...

Every group or organisation has something (a peculiar mark or insignia) that sets them apart and with which they are identified. During the slave trade, individual slaves were branded with unique marks to identify them with their slave masters. Similarly, soldiers have specific marks on their uniforms to identify their rank and the battalion to which they belong. Marks are necessary for easy identification and association.

In today's Gospel, Jesus, in His final 'table talk' with the disciples, told them that love—His kind of love—sacrificial selfless love—is the mark of a Christian.

"...this is how all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another. " He said.

The mark of a Christian, my dear friend, is neither the miracles nor the wonders he works nor the length of his prayer nor the fluency with which he exercises the gift of tongues. All these are empty without love (1 Cor 13:1-3).

Love (for one another) alone sets us apart, identifies and associates us with Christ. The ability to radiate love in all that we do, and especially in challenging situations, is what makes us Christians. We reveal Christ to the world and keep His face alive when we love others and lay down our lives for them without counting the cost.

Love makes the world and humanity beautiful and new. Love also gives hope and courage to the fainthearted and strengthens us to forge ahead in faith. It makes the challenges of the Christian life and life as a whole lighter and bearable. Those who cannot love cannot persevere in faith.

In the First Reading, we heard about how the love for God and His Word produced in Paul and Barnabas the courage and strength to endure hardships for the sake of the kingdom, and also encouraged the faithful to do the same.

Love is the greatest and most essential characteristic of a Christian. Without it, none can claim that name.

PRAYER

Lord Jesus, you showed us the way of love by mounting the cross. May I also learn to lay down my life for Love. Amen.

May God bless you.

Fr. Kenneth Debre

Sunday, May 18, 2025.

Holy Rosary Parish, Hohoe.