Reflection for May 2025 (Liturgical Year - Cycle C, Year I)
Community Word:
The joy of Easter renews us to be shepherds in the likeness of Jesus.
Order:
“Feed my lambs…tend my sheep…feed my sheep.” (Jn 21:15-17)
Reflection
It would seem that everything was lost when Jesus died and the Apostles went back to their old way of life – to fish. But Jesus appeared prepared breakfast, and shared the meal with them. This gesture of Jesus restores their relationship after Peter denied Him three times. Forgiveness was given on the cross and now it is the time for renewed commitment and a call to actively live out one's faith as a disciple. Truly, the joy of Easter renews us to be shepherds in the likeness of Jesus. Like Peter, we are entrusted with the responsibility to “Feed my lambs…tend my sheep…feed my sheep.” (Jn 21:15-17). Just as Peter was called to recommit to his faith after his denial, we too are invited to reflect on our shortcomings and seek renewal in our relationship with Christ, letting go of past mistakes and embracing the opportunity to live a life dedicated to Him. We are called to share the good news of the resurrection with others, even when faced with challenges or personal struggles.
The 3rd to the 6th Sunday of Easter brings us to reflect on how we might concretize our commitment to serve Jesus Christ.
For the 3rd Sunday of Easter, our theme is – We are shepherds in the likeness of Jesus when we affirm our love for Him and care for His flock. Loving Jesus means more than words. It means taking action, just as Jesus asked Peter to show his love by caring for others. True love for Jesus is manifested in how we treat those around us. When we help and support others, we live out Jesus' command to love. By caring for others, we show that our love for Jesus is genuine and strong. We are responsible in our faith, as the Apostles in the first reading demonstrate that obeying God takes precedence over men even if they undergo suffering. But, we are assured that loving Jesus and serving others has consolation, as we are promised in Psalms, “You changed my mourning into dancing,” (Ps 30:12A).
For the 4th Sunday of Easter, our theme is – We are shepherds in the likeness of Jesus when we lead others to hear His voice and follow Him. As the Good Shepherd, Jesus shows the perfect way to lead others so they will not perish. He cares for His sheep, calls them by name, and leads them to safety. Jesus reminds us that His sheep hear His voice and follow Him. This shows the close connection between Jesus and those who believe in Him. We are encouraged to reflect on our leadership roles within the community, urging us to shepherd others with care, kindness, and compassion, as Jesus does. In this way, we can give others spiritual support in their faith journey and receive this promise, “The Lamb…will shepherd them and lead them to springs of life-giving water.” (Rev 7:17)
For the 5th Sunday of Easter, our theme is – We are shepherds in the likeness of Jesus when we witness His commandment to love one another. A transformed life in Christ is marked by our relationship with God through the love that Jesus has given us. There has been no greater love expressed than the love of Jesus for His friends. Jesus says, “This is how all will know that you are my disciples if you have love for one another,” (Jn 13:35). The mutual love among followers of Jesus is the defining mark of discipleship. Christian love is selfless, unconditional, complete, and unlimited, and it is based on a decision to love, not merely on emotion. Love is the heart of the Christian message, and it's a way to witness God's love to the world. This is the new commandment given to us by Jesus, and it is His promise that “… All will know that you are my disciples if you have love for one another.” (Jn 13:35)
Finally, for the 6th Sunday of Easter, our theme is – We are shepherds in the likeness of Jesus when we keep His word and share His peace with all. To love one another is a continuous, ever-present love sustained in us by the empowerment of the Holy Spirit. The indwelling of the Holy Spirit brings us peace, the kind of peace that the world cannot give. True peace comes from being centered in God, enabling us to remain grounded in the teachings and the words of Jesus Christ. It is the peace of the Holy Spirit that defends, intercedes, and comforts us. The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Truth who remains with us and is actually in us. Thus, as believers, we rely on the promise of Jesus Himself, “The Advocate, the Holy Spirit… will teach you everything and remind you of all that I told you,” (Jn 14:26).
Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank You for renewing us and enabling us to serve You as Your disciples. You called us to be good lay under-shepherds to care, minister, and lead others around us to be closer to You. Cause us to truly love others in the way You genuinely love us. Lord, You loved us first. Let our love be shown not only in words, but also in action, as we care, share our time, talent, and treasure, and bear the weaknesses and limitations of those You send our way. Cause us to remember all that You commanded us to do and to follow all Your teachings by the empowerment of the Holy Spirit who brings peace into our hearts. In Your name, Lord Jesus, we pray. Amen.
Directions
1. As a shepherd, always gather your flock so no one will be lost.
2. Be a good witness of care, kindness, and compassion to one another.
3. Respond to the call of shepherding in evangelization and mission work.
4. Have a devotion to the Sacred of Jesus to be united with His love.
Sunday Readings: (Cycle C - Year I)
May 4, 2025 – Acts 5:27-32, 40B-41/ Ps 30:2, 4, 5-6, 11-12, 13/ Rev 5:11-14/ Jn 21:1-19
May 11, 2025 – Acts 13:14, 43-52/ Ps 100:1-2, 3, 5/ Rev 7:9, 14B-17/ Jn 10:27-30
May 18 2025 – Acts 14:21-27/ Ps 145:8-9, 10-11, 12-13/ Rev 21:1-5A/ Jn 13:31-33A, 34-35
May 25 2025 – Acts 15:1-2, 22-29/ Ps 67:2-3, 5, 6, 8/ Rev 21:10-14, 22-23 / Jn 14:23-29
Monthly: Word, Order, Prophesies and Directions (As provided by bldworld.org)
"We are a community of disciples inspired by the Holy Spirit to be living witnesses for transformation in Christ to bring about a world of justice, human development and true peace."