Scripture Reflection, May 3, 2026, Fifth Sunday of Easter

Acts of the Apostles 6:1-7 1 Peter 2:4-9 John 14:1-12

“Whoever believes in me will do the works that I do, and will do greater ones than these… “

As one who believes in Jesus, how do you feel about this challenge? Have you ever thought in terms of doing those wonderful works the gospel records Jesus doing? The feeding… the healing… the preaching of the gospel?

Scripture says he fed the multitude with just a few loaves and fishes. How could you carry on his work of feeding the hungry? I'm sure you can think of lots of ways: helping at the St. Bernard hot meal program or cookie ministry… donating food to St. Vincent de Paul for the poor… our Holy Thursday night collection to Blessed Trinity,.. But I wonder if "greater ones than these “ might refer to even bigger feeding efforts? As voters we can educate ourselves and make sure our legislators know how we feel about food programs for hungry people at home and abroad. Do those programs reflect gospel priorities? If not, why not?

Scripture records Jesus healing many individuals. What modern day equivalent presents itself to us? Few of us work in the field of medicine but we can all influence health policy. Working with our legislators to provide universal healthcare, like every other developed country offers its citizens, could be our participation in healing.

In the Sermon on the Mount Jesus preached, “Blessed are the peacemakers.” In Matthew’s version of the arrest of Jesus in Gethsemane, Jesus objects to the use of violence, even to save himself. "Put back your sword where it belongs. Those who use the sword are sooner or later destroyed by it.”(Matt:26,52) It would appear from the Scriptures that the advocating of peace and objection to violence are intrinsic to the gospel, rather than a matter of political option. As a follower of Jesus how do you preach and advocate for peace in today’s world as Jesus did?

In today's gospel Jesus mandates those who believe in him to carry on his work. He assumes it as a requisite from those who say they believe!

Times change and we cannot duplicate the exact circumstances of his public life. But the works that he performed have modern day equivalents. It is incumbent upon us, his modern day followers, to translate his way, The Way, into our own time.

by: Pat Schnee, OPA