Strengthened for the Journey: Called to Love with Courage

05th Sunday of Easter: May 18, 2025

Readings: Acts 14:21-27; Psalm 145:8-13: Revelation 21:1-5; John 13:31-35

What is our life if we live it for ourselves? With a capacity for intelligence and rational thinking, we are called to be someone different and make others' lives beautiful as we do for ourselves. This requires a certain amount of grace, in fact, divine wisdom. Even though human beings tend to be selfish and egoistic, there is a spark within each one to help others. As a result, we see wickedness has not prospered and good continues to grow. As we enter into the liturgy of the fifth Sunday of Easter, the biblical readings invite us to be embraced by the grace of God. The first Christians experienced the tremendous power of Easter and radiated through their life of service, veneration and love.

1. Strength in Perseverance

The Easter season continues to call us to new life—not merely in the joy of the Resurrection, but in the concrete and sometimes difficult journey of discipleship. Today’s readings remind us that the Christian path is not always easy, but it is deeply meaningful and gloriously rewarded. In Acts, we witness Paul and Barnabas returning to the very cities where they had faced rejection and persecution. Instead of retreating in fear, they go back to strengthen the disciples and encourage them with a bold truth: “It is through many hardships that we must enter the kingdom of God.”

This is not a message of despair but one of hope-filled realism. The early Church grew not by comfort, but by conviction—by people who knew Christ had risen and who chose to follow Him regardless of the cost. In our time, too, we are called to bear our crosses with courage and to encourage one another in faith. To follow Christ diligently is not to avoid suffering, but to find meaning and grace within it.

2. The Lord Who Accompanies

The vision of John in Revelation 21:1–5 is the destination that gives direction to our journey: a world made new. “God will wipe every tear from their eyes.” These words are a balm to the weary soul. The tenderness of God is not distant; it is present in our struggle. His kingdom is “an everlasting kingdom,” and in that assurance, we find strength.

What keeps us going in our faith? It is the promise that the present struggles will not have the final word. As we remain faithful, a new creation is being born through the grace of Christ. It is not a distant dream. The Church must be a sign of that newness, a witness to hope, love, and transformation. Let us never forget that while the Christian journey involves trials, God never abandons us. He walks with us, lifts us when we fall, and fills our hearts with His faithful love.

3. The Commandment of Love

As Jesus prepares for His Passion, He leaves the disciples with a singular commandment: “Love one another as I have loved you.” This love is not sentimental; it is sacrificial, courageous, and enduring. It is the kind of love that stoops to wash feet, that forgives betrayal, that gives life. 

To follow Christ today means to practice this radical love in our homes, churches, workplaces, and society. It means to stand for truth with humility, to serve the poor with compassion, and to build bridges where others erect walls. Therefore, let us recommit ourselves to a courageous and diligent Christian life. Let us not be afraid of trials. Let us trust in the God who walks beside us, who is merciful and just. Let us keep our eyes fixed on the promise of the new heaven and new earth. And above all, let love be our mark—a love that is visible, bold, and Christ-like.

A few questions for self-reflection:

1. What are the challenges I face in living out my faith today?
2. How have I experienced God’s mercy in my life?
3. Do I reflect God’s graciousness in my relationships with others?

Prayer

Loving and merciful God, 

You call me to follow You along a path that is sometimes difficult, yet always filled with meaning and grace. In moments of struggle, remind me that You walk beside me, never abandoning me. Give me the courage, like Paul and Barnabas, to remain firm in faith even when I face trials and resistance. Help me to trust that through these very hardships, You are drawing me closer to Your Kingdom.

Teach me to love as Jesus loved—with humility, patience, and generosity. Let my actions reflect the depth of Your mercy. Make me a witness of Your goodness in the world, a bearer of hope to those in need, and a source of strength to those who falter. When I am weary, lift me up. When I am tempted to retreat, grant me perseverance. I ask this through Christ, my risen Lord. Amen.

- Olvin Veigas, SJ
May 15, 2025