Walking with Jesus: Fifth Sunday of Easter A

For Sunday, May 3, 2026

Acts 6:1-7, 1 Peter 2:4-9, John 14:1-12


We begin with some basics today.

Abraham is the Father of our Faith. God picked him and started the Jewish community through him. Abraham was a wanderer because he owned a flock and went where his sheep and goats could graze well. His clans increased tremendously and they, too, wandered.

Isaac was one of the sons of Abraham and Sarah — who represents the fulfillment of God’s covenant (promise) — confirming the promise of land, blessings and seed through Isaac rather than his older brother, Ishmael.

The wanderings of Abraham’s community took many twists and turns, ending eventually in Egypt — basically for survival and protection for their crops and flocks. In time they were enslaved; who wanted foreigners in their land? Jealousy and persecution followed. The people complained to God, who chose Moses to lead them out of captivity with the promise of a “land of milk and honey.” Note: This phrase, symbolizing abundance and fertility, appears at least 20 times in the Bible (Exodus 3:8, 3:17; Numbers 13:27). This phrase communicates the completeness of God’s presence and provisions, the very things the Israelites complained about. Look how much we complain when things are little bit harder, requiring more effort — and it is hard for us to realize that sufferings bring us our dependence on God. This is our heritage.

The continued promise of a Messiah — Jesus — was a surprise to the people because they had hoped and dreamed that this expected one would be a great military leader to drive out Rome. They never expected a leader who showed the meaning of peace and love, which are difficult to balance with success, prosperity and happiness. This is a reflection that must be central to us: It’s about God. Jesus was always a Jew, and the Jewish people had a hard time recognizing Him as the Messiah. How could a Messiah ever come to die by crucifixion? Jesus did — so what does that tell us about God? As we've heard these past few weeks, the early Church was forming ... but when difficulties arose, the community faced them understanding more of God’s constant presence and love.

Today's readings

Acts of the Apostles describes the Hellenists and Hebrews who belonged to the Jewish Christian community but were separated by language rather than religious background. There were also Gentile converts and we also hear of the widows of the Greek-speaking members who were slighted in receiving help and food. Most of the community was probably Palestinian in origin. Help was needed, so they chose seven men to provide it. These weren’t exactly the first deacons as we know the term today, although it was a ritual for investing someone with power or authority. Help is always needed — am I a helper or a sitter — a non-involver? Do I realize God has gifted me? Do I allow my giftedness to rot by doing nothing?

Peter employs an image associated with building construction: Christ is a living stone. Christians are also living stones in the sense that we are being built as spiritual believers — a “house” that people see in you and me; one that is built on a living foundation of loving, caring and forgiving. Our faith is not to be hidden — gifts have been given to share so that others may see God within you and me. Do they see God in me, or do they possibly see too much me?

John’s reading shows Jesus seeking to strengthen His followers who appear to be troubled at the thought of His departure. They listen, but do they trust in Jesus and in themselves? He is going to the dwelling place with God in heaven. He describes this place as a large mansion with many guest rooms, and He is simply going ahead to prepare places for His believers and followers. He promises they all will be together. This is a promise to the special ones (apostles). He also promises that each of us has a place in heaven. This is hard to envision because we are so negative with ourselves, feeling we’re undeserving — “I’m not worthy.” But it’s not about worthiness, it’s about love. We say we’re sinners: We are, and we will sin until the day we die as long as we have facilities to do so. Jesus’ death on the cross absolved us of the guilt that comes totally from Satan, who gets inside our heads to suggest that God can’t possibly love us. But God does love us. That’s why Jesus was sent — to show the depth of God’s love.

Nicodemus was a Pharisee — a ruler of the Jews — and he had trouble understanding Jesus’ reason why each person is born. Jesus replied:

Amen, Amen I say to you, we speak of what we know and we testify to what we have seen, but you people do not accept our testimony. If I tell you about earthly things and you do not believe, how will you believe if I tell you about heavenly things? No one has gone up to heaven except the one who has come down from heaven, the Son of Man. And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the desert, so must the Son of Man be lifted up so that everyone who believes in Him may have eternal life. For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him might not perish but might have eternal life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through Him. Whoever believes in Him will not be condemned, but whoever does not believe has already been condemned, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God. [John 3:11-18]

So I reflect on:

• Jesus insists that we are one family in the faith, and no one is to be discriminated against for any reason. Unfortunately Christians have used scriptures to justify leaving others destitute. Am I providing for the needs of the homeless, the hungry, the prisoner, the widow?

Sacred Space 2026 states:

“This episode is often chosen for funeral liturgies and brings consolation to many. Those who were present when Jesus spoke to the group were so easily satisfied. Thomas told Him that he did not know the place Jesus said He was going, so how could he know the way? Philip claimed that if Jesus showed him the Father he would be satisfied. Forgive us for the times when we have lacked trust and/or conviction.”