A River, a Boat and the Kingdom

Dear John,

As we continue our Easter celebration, let us recall that the early Christians, especially the Apostles, had it tough in the days following Jesus’ Resurrection. To become a true follower of Christ and spread the Gospel necessarily involved (and still involves) persecution, suffering and perseverance. In today’s first reading, Paul is beaten, tossed out of Lystra and left for dead; yet he returns there immediately to strengthen new converts in the Faith, saying, “through many tribulations, we must enter the Kingdom of God.” Acts 14:22.

The readings for the Fifth Sunday of Easter can be found here:

First reading: Acts 14:21-27

Psalm: 145:8-13

Second reading: Revelation 21:1-5

Gospel: John 13:31-33, 34-35

Here is a link to today's daily readings.

The readings for today’s Mass describe both the trials of the early Church as well as God’s faithful love and the splendor of His Kingdom. How might these themes be connected? I am reminded of a poem attributed to the great mystic St. John of the Cross:

“And I saw the river over which every soul must pass

to reach the kingdom of heaven

and the name of that river was suffering

and I saw a boat which carries souls across the river

and the name of that boat was love.”

Our society does not seem to accept that all authentic love (as distinguished from its many, popular counterfeits) will, sooner or later, encounter the Cross – no exceptions. In today’s Gospel, Jesus commands that we imitate His way of love. Only in loving self-sacrifice is the mystery of suffering transformed into God’s glory. While it would be unthinkable to pursue suffering as an end in itself, when accepted with love and for Love, suffering is a powerful means to reach the Kingdom of God.

Among EWTN’s faith-filled programs to inspire you this week:

(All programming times listed are Eastern):

May 19th 12:00 AM and May 24th 8:00 PM. The Infant Jesus of Prague. Discover the mysterious origin of the Infant Jesus of Prague statue that has many devotees worldwide, and the claims of blessings, favors and miraculous healings by those touched by it.

May 20th – May 24th 5:30 PM. Witness – Catholic Lives in Austria. Journey to Vienna, Austria to witness the presence of God in the lives of Catholics at St. Stephen’s Cathedral and see how their faith is manifested in the Church today.

May 22nd 10:00 PM; May 23rd 3:30 AM and 10:00 AM. Frontline Fathers. This new, original EWTN documentary travels to the front lines of South Korea where heroic chaplains minister to thousands of soldiers looking for spiritual direction in a confusing and dangerous world.

Wishing you every Grace and Blessing of this Easter Season,

Father Joseph Mary Wolfe, MFVA

EWTN Global Catholic Network

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