Sunday Reflections - FIFTH SUNDAY OF EASTER – YEAR A

 LIGHT FOR THE LIVING

FIFTH SUNDAY OF EASTER – YEAR A

(Acts 6:1–7; 1 Peter 2:4–9; John 14:1–12)

My beloved in Christ,

In a peaceful farming community in Igbanke, Edo State, there once lived seven brothers, all sons of the same father. In their younger days, they were the pride of the village. If one cleared a farm, the others came with hoes. If one harvested yam, all seven carried baskets. If one wanted to marry, the others contributed goats, palm wine, and enough advice to confuse the bride.

Their father would often smile and say,
“My sons are like fingers of one hand—different in size, but useful together.”

And truly, in those days, they loved one another deeply.

But as time passed and each built his own home, married his own wife, and began raising his own children, something changed. The same brothers who once ate from one pot began counting meat in the soup. Their wives began whispering. Their children began comparing. What used to be brotherhood slowly became boundary.

One evening, their old mother sat quietly in the compound and sighed,
“When my sons had nothing, they had one another. Now that they have many things, they are losing themselves.”

The whole compound fell silent.

An old man passing by heard her words and muttered,
“Love rarely dies suddenly. It usually dies from neglect.”

 

When Love Begins to Crack

That village truth opens the First Reading today.

The early Church was growing, and with growth came tension:

“The Hellenists complained against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution.”
(Acts 6:1)

This is familiar even in many families today. Brothers begin with love, sacrifice, and solidarity. But once separate homes emerge, affection becomes competition and unity becomes negotiation.

Yet the apostles did something remarkable.

They did not ignore the complaint.
They did not allow resentment to mature into division.
They did not pretend all was well.

Instead, they confronted the matter early and wisely.

They appointed seven men—men of good standing, filled with the Spirit and wisdom—to take responsibility and restore order (cf. Acts 6:3).

What many families allow to become inherited bitterness, the apostles resolved before it became a wound.

How many homes would know peace today if families learned this wisdom?

 

Do Not Let Your Hearts Be Troubled

In the Gospel, Jesus Christ says to His disciples:

“Do not let your hearts be troubled.”
(John 14:1)

He says this not to men without problems, but to men standing at the edge of uncertainty.

Then He comforts them:

“In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places.”
(John 14:2)

This is not mere poetry. It is assurance. Christ does not deny the reality of trouble—He gives peace in the midst of it.

 

Thomas: Faith Seeking Understanding

Then Thomas speaks:

“Lord, we do not know where you are going; how can we know the way?”
(John 14:5)

Thomas is often misunderstood as a doubter. But Thomas is not rejecting Christ—he is seeking understanding.

This is not unbelief.
This is faith seeking knowledge.

Thomas does not pretend to understand what he does not understand. He asks. He searches. He seeks clarity.

And because he asks, he receives one of the greatest revelations in Scripture:

“I am the way and the truth and the life.”
(John 14:6)

Thomas teaches us something precious: true faith is not afraid to ask honest questions. Questions asked in faith often become doors to deeper truth.

 

A House Built on Christ

Saint Peter deepens this truth:

“Come to him, a living stone… and like living stones, let yourselves be built into a spiritual house.”
(1 Peter 2:4–5)

The Christian life is not built on convenience, emotion, or inheritance. It is built on Christ.

And we are not merely followers—we are:

“a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s own people.”
(1 Peter 2:9)

 

Greater Works Through Faith

Jesus then says:

“Whoever believes in me will do the works that I do, and will do greater ones than these.”
(John 14:12)

Faith is not passive comfort. Faith is active participation in Christ’s mission.

 

Light for the Living Today

Back in Igbanke, the brothers did not lose peace because love was impossible. They lost peace because they stopped tending it.

The apostles show us a better way: when love is threatened, act with wisdom before division becomes culture.

Thomas also shows us a better way: when understanding is incomplete, ask in faith until truth becomes clear.

 

Sunday Reflection

My beloved,
Are you troubled by events in your life? Relax and embrace Jesus Christ, who assures us of great comfort and care in the many rooms prepared for us if we abide by His way, His truth, and His life.

We have been empowered also to do greater works when we believe in Jesus Christ.

Let us anchor our faith in Jesus Christ despite the trials and challenges we encounter in our lives.

May God bless you.

Happy New Month.

Rev. Fr. Chinedu Ibearugbulem, C.S.Sp