Daily Gospel Reflection for May 18, 2025: Fifth Sunday of Easter

Join us as we reflect, ponder, and pray together inspired by today's Gospel.

Today's Gospel: John 13:31-33a, 34-35

When I read today’s Gospel passage, I think of how confused and vulnerable the disciples must have felt when Jesus tells them, “I will be with you only a little while longer.” I imagine they must have felt a bit of anxiety about exactly what Jesus meant, and what life would be like without Him, as He was alluding to. Jesus never leaves us abandoned, but in that moment, it would have been easy for their minds to take them in that direction. I know that my mind certainly travels in the direction of anxiousness daily when I let my guard down.

Jesus then tells them that they must remember to love each other, that this is the way they can honor Him. It seems to me that Jesus makes this connection for the disciples deliberately, so that they are more apt to remember it. As a memorial to Him, they should love one another as He loved them. It’s simple but powerful. Once He was no longer with them in the only way they could conceive of, in an earthly way, they absolutely needed to remember this new commandment to carry them through what was to come for them in their journeys through faith and ministry.
The same goes for us. We are all tasked with different things in our lives, but we must remember that love binds us all together. In this way, we stay connected not only to each other but also to our faith. And faith, of course, can move mountains.

Ponder:

How can I be more loving towards my family, friends, and neighbors today?

Pray:

Lord, I always aim to be kind to others, but one can always learn how to do this even more fully. Please guide me today in how I can be a shining light to others.

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