Fifth Week of Easter
01st May 2024 (Wednesday)
Psalter: Week 1
Reading of the Day
First Reading: Acts 15:1-6
In those days: Some men came down from Judea and were teaching the brothers, “Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.” And after Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and debate with them, Paul and Barnabas and some of the others were appointed to go up to Jerusalem to the apostles and the elders about this question. So, being sent on their way by the church, they passed through both Phoenicia and Samaria, describing in detail the conversion of the Gentiles, and brought great joy to all the brothers. When they came to Jerusalem, they were welcomed by the church and the apostles and the elders, and they declared all that God had done with them. But some believers who belonged to the party of the Pharisees rose up and said, “It is necessary to circumcise them and to order them to keep the law of Moses.” The apostles and the elders were gathered together to consider this matter.
Psalm 122:1-2, 3-4ab, 4cd-5 (R. see 1)
R/. Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.
Gospel Acclamation
V/. Alleluia
R/. Alleluia
V/.Abide in me, and I in you, says the Lord; whoever abides in me bears much fruit.
R/. Alleluia.
Gospel : John 15:1-8
At that time: Jesus said to his disciples, “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be my disciples.
Daily Gospel Reflection
Wednesday– Fifth Week of Easter
Guidelines: Work is not a sign of lack of something and thus a necessity to make up and gain what is lacking. Neither is it a burden which is forced upon us. Rather, it is part of our nature and essential duty
1. 01 May is celebrated May Day, the Day of Workers, in line with Saint Joseph, the worker. What can be one main lesson from this celebration? We should change our perspective toward work. We must see the essential link between life and work.
2. Life is a celebration of work. Life is meaningful and worth-living to the extent we work. Work is not to be considered a load, something resented or resisted, something avoided and escaped from, something unpleasant and burdensome. It is to be celebrated. It is to be valued and respected.
3. Every work is of value and honour. Therefore, there cannot be any discrimination or contempt based on the type of work. There cannot be a disparity as honourable or dishonourable, as noble or low. It is not the status of the work that decides the greatness of the person. Rather, the matter is how intense is one’s commitment, how pure one is, and how far the work is beneficial.
4. In fact, there is no strict difference like dignified work and low-level work. Every work is sacred and divine because it is participation in the very work of God, who is an eternal, tireless worker. In and through our works productive and transformative, we become collaborators and co-creators with God Himself.
5. We become architects of the edifice of God’s kingdom. Saint Joseph stands as a glowing example of this aspect of work, in his silence, docility, diligence and loyalty.
Practice: We are called to shed off our layers of mediocrity and sloth and to deepen our enthusiasm and dedication.
