"In A Word": Reflection for May 3, 2010, 5th Sunday of the Easter Season

Scripture for today , the 5th Sunday of the Easter Season: Acts 14: 21-27; Revelation 21: 1-5; John 13: 31-35 can be read at www.usccb.org/nab

In A Word

Sometimes just a few words can make more of an impact than a long discourse. In fact, as a message is condensed, the essential point usually becomes clearer.

God’s Word today tells us the essential point of Jesus’ legacy: “Love one another as I have loved you.”(John)
In our everyday lives we continue Jesus’ ministry as we put love into action, “wiping away tears…making things new.”(Revelation)
Yet, as we may have experienced, living this way can involve difficulties and sometimes even hardships (Acts of the Apostles).

In the midst of our life’s journey, God’s Word reminds us that God dwells with us; God is always present with us.
This wonderful image of God’s relationship with us as One who is at home with us, wiping away our tears, making all things new (Revelation) can strengthen us on life’s journey and help us keep essential matters in focus.

To think about: Do I try to remember that God is always with me, caring about me, accepting me, loving me...regardless of how I feel or how trivial my job may seem to me or to others?
Do I envision God as One who is at home with me?
When it’s hard for me to show love, do I just give up, or do I ask Jesus to help me to love as he loves?
Can I see some of the routine aspects of my life and my responsibilities as ways of helping God’s love grow in the world now?

To do: Notice examples of love that are right before your eyes: the many ways that people try to “wipe away tears”, or help those who are mourning or in pain.
Look beyond your own needs and take time to encourage someone who is discouraged and experiences difficulty showing love.
Show love to someone you find hard to love, perhaps by being more patient, by trying to listen, or by doing some small act of kindness.
Call, write or e-mail someone who touched your life with their love, and thank them!
Use one or two words of praise or thanks often during the day instead of using many words.

To pray: Use just one word like "Welcome" to remember that God is always with you. Or try "Thanks" as you remember people who have loved you in your ife.

Next week: 6th Sunday of the Easter Season: Acts 15:22-29; Revelation 21: 10-14; John 14: 23-29