Prayer is vital for the commandment of love.
On the 5th Sunday of Easter, we reflect on significant events that echo the
essence of faith, love, and divine guidance. Recently, 133 Cardinals gathered in
the Sistine Chapel to elect a new pope, marking a pivotal moment in the life of
the Church. This solemn conclave, which began on May 7, was a demanding
process carrying the weight of expectations from the global Catholic Church and
the world. The process involved deep mental and spiritual engagement,
heightened by the presence of the Holy Spirit, believed to illuminate such crucial
decisions. After a series of votes, white smoke ascending from the chapel
chimney signified the successful election, echoing the joyous proclamation of
“Habemus Papam!”, a reminder that the Church continues to be led by divine
providence through its chosen leaders. As the new pope takes on this significant
role, the call for prayer and intercession becomes paramount. In particular,
invoking the intercession of St. Joseph and the Blessed Virgin Mary emphasizes
reliance on spiritual strength to guide Pope Leo XIV in his mission.
In today’s gospel, the departure of Judas sets in motion a sequence of
events that highlight the vulnerability of the Apostles. Despite their direct
selection by Jesus, each of the Twelve faltered. One betrayed Christ, another
denied Him, and the rest abandoned Him during His suffering. Yet, Jesus, in His
love and compassion, bestowed upon them a new commandment: “to love one
another as I have loved you.” We are reminded that, though marked by failures,
the Apostles were still called to embody Christ’s love; thereby encouraging us to
transcend our shortcomings and to love others. The call to love cannot be fulfilled
in isolation, and prayer becomes essential in nurturing this love.
The first reading from the Acts of the Apostles highlights the early Christian
community’s heartfelt dedication to prayer and fasting as they appointed elders in
their churches. It reminds us that our actions should flow from a solid foundation
of prayer. In light of recent events within the Church, let us come together as a
community in prayer for Pope Leo XIV, asking for the wisdom and courage to
guide us through these challenging times in our world.
Dear brothers and sisters, as we come together this 5th Sunday of Easter,
let us appreciate the preciousness of life and the significance of caring for it with
kindness, prayer, and love. Let us join our hearts in prayer and uplift our Holy
Father, Pope Leo XIV, in his mission to lead us closer to God, always working to
reflect the love of Christ in our communities and beyond.Rev. Dominic Toan Tran, Pastor