Readings and meditation on the Word of God on the Fifth Sunday of Easter, May 3rd, 2026

Delivered by Nia and Ria from the Parish of Good Shepherd in the Diocese of Surabaya, Indonesia. Acts of the Apostles 6: 1-7; Rs psalm 33: 1-2.4-5.18-19; 1 Peter 2: 4-9; John 14: 1-12.JESUS ​​IS OUR WAY The theme for our meditation on this 5thSunday of Easter is: Jesus Is Our Way. One Sunday morning, a priest waspreparing to celebrate Mass at a parish 20 kilometers from where he lived inthe city. He drove along a winding road at a speed of between 60 and 80 km perhour. However, when he was only 3 kilometers from the church, the road leadingto the parish church was closed. A community service activity was being held bythe local people. All vehicles had to take an alternate route.  The time for the celebration of Holy Mass was only 20minutes left. He had to find a way, even if it was just the size of the car topass, so that he would soon reach the church. At first he was nervous and didnot know what to do. But he soon realized that GPS (navigation) on hishandphone could help. He set the GPS to direct him to the location of thechurch. In less than 10 minutes he was in the church parking lot, just in timefor an immediate preparation in the sacristy and the Holy Mass would soon start. Like the GPS that directs us the way by using thesound, sign of road directions, warnings and notifications that we really need,the GPS in the journey of our faith also does the same job. The GPS in ourfaith is the Lord Jesus Christ. He testifies His own identity as the path orthe way we must take in order to reach our goal, namely our salvation and unitywith heavenly Father. As the way for us, He gives us the truth which is a realityand fullness of life in Him. Our perfect life is in heaven.  The Word of the Lord today gives us at least tworeflections on the fundamental truth that we have in our faith, which is therevelation of Jesus Himself as our way. The first reflection highlights thatJesus Christ is our savior. In the midst of many dangers and difficulties thatthreaten our lives, He becomes the solution and answer to save us fromdestruction and death. What happened in the First Church in Jerusalem was adivision among the members and discrimination of the Jews and those of the nonJewish groups. But the power of the Lord came to save the Church that was inthe brink of falling apart, through theestablishment of the ministry of deacon. There were seven deacons elected andwere entrusted to help the apostles in the whole services of the Church. The second reflection is about the Lord Jesus gives usa precious dignity, namely a calling to holiness. He blesses us and makes us asacred spiritual house and a holy priesthood. In this way, we receive from Hima great task to sanctify the world. Together with Him, we will bring this worldand all creation through the path of Jesus Christ that leads all to the Father.The way of holiness is first of all for each one's salvation, then also forthose whom we serve in our respective works and missions. Let'spray. In the name of the Father ... O Lord Jesus, we give You thanks and praisefor You are always our way to the Father. May we remain faithful in this path.Hail Mary, full of grace ... In the name of the Father ...