Scripture Reflection, May 18, 2025, Fifth Sunday of Easter

Acts 14:21-27 Revelation 21:1-5a John 13:31-33a, 34-35

During Eastertide many of our first readings concern Paul's missionary activities. Paul is thrilled to have been commissioned by God to bring the good news to the Gentiles. His excitement leaps off the pages of scripture. We… the “Gentiles "…, so many years later, have little appreciation of this revolutionary idea.

Recall that most of those early followers of Jesus were Jews. The idea that the good news might include those “others”, the Gentiles, was not universally well received. Some Jews objected to these “outsiders." Peter and Paul came to loggerheads over the issue with Peter insisting initially that to follow Christ meant to observe Jewish practices.(Gal:2) But Paul and his Spirit- infused missionary activity won the day. Christianity was to be open, welcoming and inclusive.

And characterized by love. Which brings us to today's gospel. The new commandment Jesus gives his disciples is to love one another. It is love which is to identify the Christian as a follower of Jesus Christ.

Today some who call themselves Christians cannot be identified by their obvious love for others. They could not honestly be described as welcoming and inclusive of others who are different. Instead of a spirituality of abundance, fueled by trust in God and love for the other, they evidence a spirituality of scarcity. Exclusive and unwelcoming, they see others as threats instead of as children of God with innate dignity.

While care and concern for others should be shared by all people of good will, we who call ourselves disciples of Jesus Christ have been given a very clear challenge: "Love one another… This is how all will know you are my disciples. “

So let us be inspired by the words of our beloved Pope Francis in his encyclical Fratelli Tutti: "We want to be a church that goes forth from its places of worship… to build bridges, to break down walls, to sow seeds of reconciliation. “ ( #269) … For that is how true disciples of Jesus Christ should be identified.

by: Pat Schnee