May 7, 2023 - One Bread, One Body
May 7, Fifth Sunday of Easter
Cycle A Readings:
1) Acts 6:1-7
Psalm 33:1-2, 4-5, 18-19
2) 1 Peter 2:4-9
John 14:1-12
The only way home to Abba
“If you really knew Me, you would know My Father also.” —John 14:7
We have been created by and for God the Father. Our happiness will not be complete until we are home with our Father. Every person has a hole in his heart that only God the Father can fill.
However, all human beings have a fallen, wounded nature by which we are alienated from God the Father. This puts us in an impossible situation. We cannot relate properly to the very Person Whom we cannot live without. Consequently, we are cut off from life, love, joy, peace, hope, etc.
Considering our innate desire for God the Father and yet our alienation from Him, we are shocked and filled with joy to hear the words of Jesus: “I am the Way, and the Truth, and the Life; no one comes to the Father but through Me” (Jn 14:6). Jesus is the Way to the Father, because He “is the Reflection of the Father's glory, the exact Representation of the Father’s being” (Heb 1:3). In fact, Jesus is in the Father and the Father is in Him (Jn 14:11). Therefore, to see Jesus is to see the Father (Jn 14:9).
Jesus is the Way to overcome our alienation from the Father. He is our Savior. In Jesus, we are not separated from the Father but baptized into Him (see Mt 28:19). Jesus is our Hope, our Life, our only Way to the Father.
Prayer: Abba, I live in You and for You.
Promise: “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Have faith in God and faith in Me.” —Jn 14:1
Praise: Praise the risen Jesus, Who died for His enemies and loves them with an everlasting love. Hosanna to the King of Love!
Rescript: In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Imprimatur ("Permission to Publish") for One Bread, One Body covering the period from April 1, 2023 through May 31, 2023.
†Most Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio September 21, 2022.
The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.