The 5th Sunday of Easter in 2025 falls on May 18, 2025. This Sunday continues the Easter season’s celebration, focusing on themes of love, perseverance in faith, and renewal. It encourages believers to live out the commandment of love given by Christ as they reflect on the growth of the early Christian community. 6th Sunday of Easter falls on May 25, 2025.
1. Scripture Readings Overview
The readings for the 5th Sunday of Easter emphasize community, new beginnings, and love as central to Christian life.
| Reading | Reference | Key Theme |
|---|---|---|
| First Reading | Acts 14:21-27 | Paul and Barnabas strengthen believers despite challenges |
| Psalm | Psalm 145:8-9, 10-11, 12-13 | God’s compassion and faithfulness |
| Second Reading | Revelation 21:1-5A | Vision of a new heaven and a new earth |
| Gospel | John 13:31-35 | Jesus’ commandment to love one another |
2. Themes and Reflection
a) Love as the Core of Christian Life
In John 13:31-35, Jesus commands His disciples to love one another as He has loved them. This passage forms the heart of Christian ethics, highlighting love as the distinctive mark of a true follower of Christ.
b) Strengthening Faith through Challenges
The reading from Acts narrates the missionary work of Paul and Barnabas. Despite hardships, they encouraged new believers to persevere, showing the importance of community support and resilience in faith.
c) Hope for a Renewed World
Revelation 21 presents a vision of a new heaven and earth, symbolizing God’s transformative power and promise to dwell among His people, wiping away sorrow and bringing new beginnings.
3. Liturgical Practices and Worship
Worship on this Sunday is marked by prayers, hymns, and activities that emphasize love and renewal. Congregations often reflect on how to live out Jesus’ commandment in daily life and strengthen their communities.
| Liturgical Element | Description |
|---|---|
| Entrance Hymn | Celebratory hymns about love and renewal |
| Prayer of the Faithful | Prayers for perseverance and unity |
| Community Activity | Some churches organize service projects or community meals |
4. Calendar Context
This Sunday serves as a moment of transition toward the later stages of the Easter season, preparing for the Ascension and Pentecost.
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| April 20, 2025 | Easter Sunday |
| May 18, 2025 | 5th Sunday of Easter |
| May 25, 2025 | 6th Sunday of Easter |
| May 29, 2025 | Ascension of the Lord |
| June 1, 2025 | Pentecost Sunday |