Fifth Sunday of Easter
Reading I: Acts 9:26-31
Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 22:26-27, 28, 30, 31-32
Reading II: 1 John 3:18-24
Gospel: John 15:1-8
As followers of Jesus, we are expected to bear fruits. This is our mission. A parent bears fruit in his children and a teacher in her students. If we disappear from the face of the earth, will there be people who will miss us because we care for their problems, know how to listen to them, are loyal friends, thoughtful spouses, trustworthy employees, family-oriented parents or fair employers? Or will nobody notice our absence. What a tragedy it would be when you are absent, and people do not even care or notice. We will start to wonder if our presence has the same value to our family or community.
The fruits of the Holy Spirit which we obtain through our unity with the Lord bears fruit because of trimmings in our lives. Self-denial is an integral part of love. Joy asks at times to surrender pleasure. Peace may demand we give way to others. Patience calls for consideration for people’s mistakes. Goodness requires us to say “no” to evil. Faithfulness plays down a person’s weaknesses and limitations. Gentleness means we do not just follow our instincts. Self-control selects what enhances relationships.
