5th Sunday of Easter - Year C

Bishop Fulton Sheen once prophetically said that the Church of the future will be most tempted by the evil spirits of division and discouragement. What Fulton Sheen predicted is truly happening in our time. One cannot love the Lord and His Church and not feel a pang of sorrow when one sees that even within the Church – the community of Jesus – divisions and the temptation to lose heart exist.

In the first reading, we heard how Paul and Barnabas “encouraged the disciples and urged them to remain faithful,” adding that “it is through many hardships that we must enter the Kingdom of God.” We’ve all likely heard the English expression, “no pain, no gain” – a person cannot attain anything beautiful and good in life without sacrifice and suffering. These words apply not only to the life of faith, but to every aspect of human life: the person who expects life to be all roses and sunshine is someone destined for disappointment and disillusionment. The Christian life is not easy, but the Christian must never lose heart. Saint George Preca used to say, “Discouragement never comes from God; it is always a temptation of the devil.” The greatest weapons against division and discouragement are prayer and fasting, as we also heard in the first reading.

In the Gospel, Jesus says, “Now the Son of Man is glorified.” The path that would lead to Jesus’ glorification was the way of the Cross. Therefore, a Christian cannot become like Jesus without the Cross. It is the Cross that leads to glory. The Cross is also the school of true love – the love that Jesus invites us to. “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples: if you have love for one another.” The Cross is the highest expression of love and also the place where we learn how to love. It is worth asking ourselves: how do others recognise us as Christians? Jesus makes it plain: His true disciples are known by the love they have for one another. How important it is to keep this before our eyes, because it is so easy for us to reduce the Christian life to many other things and forget – or neglect – what Jesus tells us is essential.

In the second reading, Saint John reminds us that the Cross is not forever. “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there will be no more death, no more mourning or crying or pain.” Jesus teaches us that if we suffer and love with Him, we will also live with Him forever – in the place where there is only love, joy, peace, and the eternal delight of God.

The devil tries everything to distract us from this destiny. Sadly, many fall into his trap; many choose to enjoy the present moment and forget what lasts forever. But the true Christian keeps his eyes fixed on Jesus, because he knows that the present time passes quickly – and with it, all that belongs to this world fades away. What remains is God and true love.

Lord Jesus, You are always with us – especially when we pass through dark valleys. Help us never to give in to discouragement, but with love and hope, wait in faith until we are united with You forever in the glory of the Father.