7TH SUNDAY OF EASTER YEAR C

Theme: The image of Jesus Christ keeps us together

 

1^st Reading: Acts of the Apostles, Chapter 7: 55-60

The martyrdom of St Stephen should convince us that it is more than worthy to stand up for Jesus in the face of all opposition, even at the peril of our lives.

 

2^nd Reading: Revelation, Chapter 22: 12-14, 16-17, 20

Jesus is the beginning and the end. In fact, he is the all-in-all for those who strive to remain faithful to him. Christ invites everyone to accept all that he stands for.

 

Gospel Reading: John, Chapter 17:20-26

Jesus prays for his disciples, and all of us who follow him, for unity, God’s protection and sanctity. It is our Lord’s desire that we remain united with him in the same way as he is united with God, our Creator.

6TH SUNDAYOF EASTER YEAR C

Theme: Constant renewal under guidance of the Spirit

 

1^st Reading: Acts of the Apostles, Chapter 15: 1-2, 22-29

The Word of God teaches that all issues pertaining to the growth and renewal of our faith, as well as the continuity of the Church, can be resolved through the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Our Lord expects us to tap into the richness of our Advocate, the Holy Spirit.

 

2^nd Reading: Revelation, Chapter 21: 10-14, 22-23

John tries to describe, within the limitations of his human capacity, the new Jerusalem.

The assurance is that our new dwelling place is going to be filled with the presence of God.

 

Gospel Reading: John, Chapter 14: 23-29

Jesus’ instructions to his disciples contain all that we, his followers, need to do to continue in his steps. These are: keeping God’s word, embracing the Holy Spirit and accepting his gift of deep and lasting peace.

5TH SUNDAY OF EASTER YEAR C

Theme: Christian joy tempered with trials

 

1^st Reading: Acts of the Apostles, Chapter 14: 21-27

Paul and Barnabas made stop-overs in the cities where they had planted the church. Everywhere they went, they encouraged the faithful to press on in spite of trials that may come their way.

 

2^nd Reading: Revelation, Chapter 21: 1- 5a

This scripture is a message of hope to all people. God, our Creator, at the end of time, will usher us into a new heavenly home, where we shall no longer experience uncertainties, doubts or sorrows.

 

Gospel Reading: John, Chapter 13: 31-33a, 34-35

Jesus is looking forward to his glorification, a time during which he will not be physically present with us. He commands us, his followers, to preserve the distinction between us and others, by following his own example of love for one another.

4TH SUNDAY OF EASTER YEAR C

Theme: Perseverance in trials

 

1^st Reading: Acts of the Apostles: Chapter 13: 14, 43-52

The joy of Paul and Barnabas, as they won more souls for Christ, was followed by persecution and expulsion by the powers that were. The fact that their converts remained joyful in the face of all these challenges should encourage us to persevere in trials.

 

2^nd Reading: Revelation, Chapter 7: 9, 14b-17

The crowd that was standing before the throne of the Lord attained sainthood after having gone through a period of trials. Their testimony is a lesson in how to remain steadfast in the Lord.

 

Gospel Reading: John, Chapter 10: 27-30

Jesus, the Good Shepherd, knows us thoroughly. This scripture affirms that he will not allow evil to befall his followers.

3RD SUNDAY OF EASTER YEAR C

Theme: What the Lord means to Christians

1st Reading: Acts of the Apostles, Chapter 5: 27-32, 40b -41

After they had received firm instructions never again to preach Christ,

the Apostles remained resolute and were delighted to suffer for the

sake of the Saviour.

2nd Reading: Revelation, Chapter 5: 11-14

The angels and the other heavenly inhabitants sing praises to Jesus.

Like all the other creatures in the universe, we too must echo the

voices of the angels to affirm the fact that Jesus is Lord!

Gospel Reading: John, Chapter 21: 1-19

During our Lord’s third appearance to his disciples, he provided them

with a miraculous catch and went on to entrust a three-fold ministry to

Peter. Finally, he commanded Peter and all of us with these words:

“Follow me!”