SIXTH SUNDAY OF EASTER

SIXTH SUNDAY OF EASTER

INTRODUCTION

May 5, 2025

Good morning brothers and sisters in Christ

We are now in the 6th Sunday of Easter.

The first reading is taken from the Acts of the Apostles. This account narrates the Baptism of the Centurion Cornelius and the whole members of his household.

The second reading is taken from the First Letter of John. He reminded them that love is of God.

The gospel is taken from the Holy Gospel according to John. In this account, Jesus said to them, "This is my commandment; love one another as I love you."

Let us all stand to begin the Eucharistic celebration.

Responsorial Psalm:

The Lord has revealed to the nations his saving power

Prayer of the Faithful:

Lord, teach us to remain in your love.

FIRST READING

Acts 10:25-26, 34-35, 44-48

The gift of the Holy Spirit was poured out on the Gentiles also.

A reading from the Acts of the Apostles

When Then Peter entered, Cornelius met him and, falling at his feet, paid him homage. Peter, however, raised him up, saying, "Get up. I myself am also a human being."

Then Peter proceeded to speak and said, "In truth, I see that God shows no partiality. Rather, in every nation whoever fears him and acts uprightly is acceptable to him."

While Peter was still speaking these things, the Holy Spirit fell upon all who were listening to the word. The circumcised believers who had accompanied Peter were astounded that the gift of the Holy Spirit should have been poured out on the Gentiles also, for they could hear them speaking in tongues and glorifying God.

Then Peter responded, "Can anyone withhold the water for baptizing these people, who have received the Holy Spirit even as we have?"

He ordered them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ.

The word of the Lord.

RESPONSORIAL PSALM

Ps s 98:1, 2-3, 3-4

R). (cf. 2b) The Lord has revealed to the nations his saving power.

Sing to the LORD a new song, for he has done wondrous deeds; his right hand has won victory for him, his holy arm.

R/. The Lord has revealed to the nations his saving power.

The LORD has made his salvation known: in the sight of the nations he has revealed his justice.

He has remembered his kindness and his faithfulness toward the house of Israel.

R. The Lord has revealed to the nations his saving power.

All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation by our God. Sing joyfully to the LORD, all you lands; break into song; sing praise.

R. The Lord has revealed to the nations his saving power.

SECOND READING

1Jn. 4:7-10

God is love.

A reading from the first Letter of Saint John

Beloved, let us love one another, because love is of God; everyone who loves is begotten by God and knows God.

Whoever is without love does not know God, for God is love.

In this way the love of God was revealed to us:

God sent his only Son into the world so that we might have life through him.

In this is love: not that we have loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as expiation for our sins.

The word of the Lord.

ALLELUIA

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Whoever loves me will keep my word, says the Lord, and my Father will love him and we will come to him.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

GOSPEL

Jn. 15:9-17

No one has greater love than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends.

A reading from the holy Gospel according to John

Jesus said to his disciples: "As the Father loves me, so I also love you. Remain in my love.

If you keep my commandments, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and remain in his love.

"I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and your joy might be complete.

This is my commandment: love one another as I love you. No one has greater love than this, to lay down one's life for one's friends.

You are my friends if you do what I command you. I no longer call you slaves, because a slave does not know what his master is doing. I have called you friends, because I have told you everything I have heard from my Father.

It was not you who chose me, but I who chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit that will remain, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name he may give you.

This I command you: love one another."

The Gospel of the Lord.

PRAYER OF THE FAITHFUL

MAY 5, 2025

Priest: Our God is love. Let us present to Him all our petitions with deep faith and trust that through Christ, give us the grace to remain in His love. In every petition, we pray:

LORD, TEACH US TO REMAIN IN YOUR LOVE.

1. That the Holy Father, the bishops, priests, deacons and religious men and women, may be filled with God's love and joy in proclaiming the mystery of the resurrection in the whole world. Let us pray to the Lord.

2. That the civil leaders especially in our country, enlightened by the Holy Spirit, may govern the people with justice and peace. Let us pray to the Lord.

3. That the elderly, the sick and the dying, may be strengthened in hope and deepened in their faith in God and may they receive healing from Him. Let us pray to the Lord.

4. That each family may experience the mystery of the love of the Holy Family to remain the God's unfailing love. Let us pray to the Lord.

5. That those who have offered their praises and thanksgiving to God especially may become instruments of the Father's love to the needy. Let us pray to the Lord.

6. That the souls of our faithful departed especially may receive eternal life. Let us pray to the Lord. 

7. In silence, let us offer our personal intentions.

Priest: Lord Jesus, may all our actions be done out of love and with love, and thereby make present on earth the love that binds you to the Father and the Holy Spirit, for ever and ever. Amen.