Easter

The sound of Alleluias fills the 50 days of Easter Sunday to Pentecost as we give thanks for the gift of our salvation. The Easter Triduum recalls the passion and resurrection of Christ in the sacred journey from Holy Thursday to Easter Vigil. "Dying he destroyed our death. Rising he restored our life."

Sunday Readings and Backgrounds

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Sixth Sunday of Easter

Reading I : Acts 8:5-8, 14-17

They prayed to receive the Holy Spirit.

In today’s first reading, we discover how people come to hear and believe in Jesus.
The people in Samaria believed in Jesus and were baptized.
Peter and John came from Jerusalem to pray over the Samaritans and lay their hands on them; a prayerful gesture of intercession and blessing that is still part of the Church’s sacramental rituals.

Reading II : 1 Peter 3:15-18

Christ died for sins once for all.

Today’s second reading, from the First Letter of Peter, speaks of how Christians are to live.
The passage ends with a reference to the Resurrection.
The risen Christ lives a new and glorious life that we who have been baptized in his name and sealed with the gift of the Spirit will also receive.

Gospel : John 14:15-21

If you love me, obey my commandments.

Today’s Gospel is taken from Jesus’ farewell address to his disciples.
The author of today’s Gospel emphasizes the union of Jesus with the Father and with believers.
In Jesus, believers also stand in relationship with the Father. This relationship is made possible and real through the gift of the Holy Spirit.