FRIDAY OF THE 5TH WEEK OF EASTER (CYCLE C, White)
Reading 1 (ACTS 15:22-31)
A reading from the Acts of the Apostles
The Apostles and presbyters, in agreement with the whole Church,
decided to choose representatives
and to send them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas.
The ones chosen were Judas, who was called Barsabbas,
and Silas, leaders among the brothers.
This is the letter delivered by them:
“The Apostles and the presbyters, your brothers,
to the brothers in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia
of Gentile origin: greetings.
Since we have heard that some of our number
who went out without any mandate from us
have upset you with their teachings
and disturbed your peace of mind,
we have with one accord decided to choose representatives
and to send them to you along with our beloved Barnabas and Paul,
who have dedicated their lives to the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
So we are sending Judas and Silas
who will also convey this same message by word of mouth:
‘It is the decision of the Holy Spirit and of us
not to place on you any burden beyond these necessities,
namely, to abstain from meat sacrificed to idols,
from blood, from meats of strangled animals,
and from unlawful marriage.
If you keep free of these,
you will be doing what is right. Farewell.'”
And so they were sent on their journey.
Upon their arrival in Antioch
they called the assembly together and delivered the letter.
When the people read it, they were delighted with the exhortation.
– The word of the Lord.
Responsorial Psalm (PSALM 57:8-9, 10 AND 12)
R. (10a) I will give you thanks among the peoples, O Lord.
or:
R. Alleluia.
My heart is steadfast, O God; my heart is steadfast;
I will sing and chant praise.
Awake, O my soul; awake, lyre and harp!
I will wake the dawn.
R. I will give you thanks among the peoples, O Lord.
or:
R. Alleluia.
I will give thanks to you among the peoples, O LORD,
I will chant your praise among the nations.
For your mercy towers to the heavens,
and your faithfulness to the skies.
Be exalted above the heavens, O God;
above all the earth be your glory!
R. I will give you thanks among the peoples, O Lord.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Alleluia (JOHN 15:15B)
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
I call you my friends, says the Lord,
for I have made known to you all that the Father has told me.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Gospel (JOHN 15:12-17)
A reading from the Holy Gospel according to John
Jesus said to his disciples:
“This is my commandment: love one another as I love you.
No one has greater love than this,
to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.
You are my friends if you do what I command you.
I no longer call you slaves,
because a slave does not know what his master is doing.
I have called you friends,
because I have told you everything I have heard from my Father.
It was not you who chose me, but I who chose you
and appointed you to go and bear fruit that will remain,
so that whatever you ask the Father in my name he may give you.
This I command you: love one another.”
– The Gospel of the Lord.
Reflection: In the First Reading following the First Council of Jerusalem ending session (Acts 15:22-31), the Apostles in the Holy City sent representatives to the Gentile Christian communities to proclaim the decree of the Church’s council in answering the first doctrinal controversy. Along with Paul and Barnabas, Judas and Silas have journeyed to those cities, and delievered the decree that Gentile converts to Christianity do not need to undergo the Jewish rites in order to be part of the Church, which is the Ark of salvation. This event shows how the Apostles and the growing Christians have manifested the common identity that we also possess, and that is the love of God. In the Gospel (John 15:12-17), Jesus concludes his discourse on the Vine and the Branches with the application of the virtue of love. After telling his disciples to remain in him and his love, he now instructs them to love one another, just as he loves them. He wants us to realize how important we are to God, so we must treat each other fairly. For we are no longer called masters and slaves, but friends. And Christ is our greatest friend who showed the greatest love by laying down his life on the Cross for our salvation. Because of his Paschal Mystery, the Apostles became witnesses to his name, so the Church was formed. We also take part in the same mission to go and bear the fruit of the Good News. And this can be done by our love for one another, which is manifested in words and actions. Most of all, love should also mean taking every risk and doing an important thing not just for the sake of finishing, but also for the sake of benefiting others and the society. So as we journey down this Easter road, may the love of the Risen Lord enable us to partake in the Gospel of love by proclamation and witness, especially towards one another and other people.
Bearers of the Cross 