Fifth Sunday of Easter - Cycle A
May 18, 2014
Opening Prayer
First Reading: Acts 6:1-7
Psalm: 33:1-2,4-5,18-19
Second Reading:
1 Peter 2:4-9 Gospel Reading: John 14::1—12- This Sunday’s reading takes place at the Last Supper (see John, chapters 13—17). Judas has just left the room; Jesus has predicted his upcoming death, and has revealed that Peter, the leader of their group, will deny him in his hour of need (John 13ff). The hearts of the apostles must have indeed been troubled.
- Even though he himself is troubled (John 13:21) he speaks words of comfort to his friends. He tells them that, even though he will be leaving, it will be for their greater good (verses 1-4, 7, 12). The disciples, in their grief not being able to grasp his words, question him on how this can be. Jesus reveals that he himself is “the Way, the Truth and the Life.”
- Jesus is the Way (John 6:68, 10:9; Romans 5:1-2; Ephesians 2:17-22; Hebrews 10:19-22; CCC 459-460), the Truth (John 1:14, 17; CCC 2466), and the Life (John 1:1-5, 5:26, 29, 6:51, 68).
- In the Book of Acts, which relates the early growth of the Church, the Christian life is also often called “the Way” (Acts 9:3, 19:9, 23, 22:4, 24:14, 22).
QUESTIONS:
- In the 1st Reading, we see that the Church had to adapt to changing circumstances without compromising the essence of the Faith. What does it tell us about Jesus’ promise to be with the Church always?
- In the 2nd Reading, what distinction does St. Peter draw between those who have faith, and those who do not (verse 7)?
- In the Gospel Reading, what comfort does Jesus offer his disciples?
- Look at John 13:36; 14:6, 8, 22. What problems are the disciples struggling with?
- How does John 1:18 relate to what Jesus says in 14:9? With what tone of voice do you imagine Jesus speaking in verses 9-14? What evidence does Jesus give for his claims?
- Do you think the promises Jesus makes in verses 12-14 are “blank check” promises about prayer? In verse 12, does he mean the Church will do works greater in power? In scope? How could this be?
- How does John 1:18 relate to what Jesus says in 14:9? With what tone of voice do you imagine Jesus speaking in verses 9-14? What evidence does Jesus give for his claims?
- If Jesus is the Way, do you feel you’re on a bumpy dead-end street, or a four-lane highway? Why?
- In light of verse 6, how would you respond to someone who says “there are many ways to God”?
Closing Prayer
Catechism of the Catholic Church: §§ 74, 151, 459, 470, 516, 661, 1698, 2466
Humanity is loved by God! …Each Christian’s words and life must make this proclamation resound: God loves you, Christ came for you, Christ is for you “the Way, the Truth and the Life!”
-- St. Pope John Paul II