5th Sunday of Easter
First reading Acts 14:21-27, Second Reading Apocalypse 21:1-5
On this Fifth Sunday of Easter, the Scriptures invite us to rediscover the source of our hope and perseverance: faith in the living Word of God. As we hear that the apostles “put fresh heart into the disciples, encouraging them to persevere in the faith,” we are reminded that the journey of the Christian life is not without hardships, but it is always guided by the presence of the Risen Lord who walks with us. Faith is not merely adherence to doctrines; it is the breath of new life that lifts us in moments of fatigue, the gentle strength that sustains us through trials, and the light that leads us beyond discouragement. In the midst of our earthly struggles, the Book of Revelation offers a vision of radiant hope: “I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down from God… and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.” This is not just a promise for the end of time, it is a reality that begins now. Easter proclaims that God is not distant or indifferent, but dwells among His people, making all things new. To live the Easter faith is to recognize, even in the shadows of our daily lives, that we are already citizens of that heavenly city. God is with us, renewing, restoring, and calling us to persevere with courageous hearts. Let’s reflect: Easter is the living promise that God dwells among us, renewing our hearts with courage and hope, and making all things new through the power of the Risen Christ.
Don Giorgio