Year C is the Year of Luke but, with the exception of the Solemnity of the Ascension, the Gospel for each Sunday of Easter is from John. Last Sunday we saw the Good Shepherd passage of chapter 10. From today onward, the story arcs toward the Last Discourse, Jesus’ lengthy prayer and teaching to his disciples before his arrest, trial and crucifixion. But didn’t we just celebrate that on Holy Week?
The idea of placing chapters 13 through 17 of John on the final Sundays of Easter has less to do with revisiting the Passion event and more to do with the content of the Last Discourse. Jesus is concerned that his disciples continue his legacy after he has returned to his Father. And what is that legacy? Love, unity, and the Holy Spirit! Today’s Gospel is about love, Jesus’ new commandment.
When Judas had left them, Jesus said, “Now is the Son of Man glorified, and God is glorified in him. . . My children, I will be with you only a little while longer. I give you a new commandment: love one another. . . This is how all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.
This commandment is “new” because it is grounded not in the love commands of the Old Testament tradition – for example, Leviticus 19:18, “love your neighbor as yourself.” Rather, the love of which Jesus speaks is his total selfless, life-giving love that he offered on the Cross – a love that will live on in the world through the total, selfless, life-giving love of Jesus’ disciples – namely us!
In the Second Reading from the Book of Revelation:
I, John, saw a new heaven and a new earth. . . I also saw the holy city, a new Jerusalem coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. I heard a loud voice from the throne saying: “Behold, God’s dwelling is with the human race.. . He will wipe every tear from their eyes. . . for the old order has passed away.” The One who sat on the throne said: “Behold, I make all things new.”
The word “new” appears six times in today’s readings! Jesus’ commandment is new because his love surpasses all previous understanding of that word.
Love is a word that can be used cheaply and meaninglessly in our modern world. Young people grapple to understand what love is about. Older folks often take love for granted. It’s time for something new: Jesus’ vision for love, his commandment to “love one another as I have loved you.” And we are reminded of his selfless, life-giving love every time we pray the Sign of the Cross.
5th Sunday of Easter Entrance Antiphon O Sing a New Song to the Lord (Steve Angrisano, Sarah Hart and Curtis Stephan)
Let Us All Rejoice #100
Today’s Entrance Antiphon is from Psalm 98. Notice the use of that word again: “new.”
Entrance Chant By Our Love (Tom Kendzia)
Breaking Bread #500
Tom Kendzia’s anthem on Christ’s love commandment is an appropriate way to begin today’s liturgy.
Rite of Sprinkling Gather at the Water (Sarah Hart)
Breaking Bread #642
The appealing Americana motif of Sarah Hart’s song will be easily learned by your community.
Responsorial Psalm I Will Praise Your Name for Ever (Ben Walther)
Spirit & Psalm 2025: p. 212
Ben Walther’s verbatim setting of Psalm 145 captures the spirit of this great psalm of praise.
Gospel Acclamation Alleluia: Mass of St. Mary Magdalene (Sarah Hart)
Spirit & Psalm 2025: p. 214
Once again, the word “new” appears in one of today’s official liturgical texts.
Presentation and Preparation of the Gifts The House that Love Is Building (Sarah Hart)
Breaking Bread #319
Relatively new in Breaking Bread, Sarah’s gentle hymn sings of Christ’s commandment of love.
5th Sunday of Easter Communion Antiphon I Am the True Vine and You Are the Branches (Steve Angrisano, Sarah Hart and Curtis Stephan)
Let Us All Rejoice #101
Jesus’ “vine and branches” imagery is an apt metaphor for his new commandment.
Communion Chant See, I Make All Things New (Ken Canedo)
Breaking Bread #601
With text based on the Second Reading, this anthem will allow your community to reflect on the teachings of today’s Scripture. “See, I make all things new!”
Sending Forth Hallelujah Is Our Song (Sarah Hart, Sarah Kroger, Josh Blakesley, Trey Heffinger)
Breaking Bread #175
Let is not forget that we are still in the Easter season! We joyfully sing of our Risen Lord.
Liturgy Blog is a weekly liturgy planning resource for musicians, liturgists, homilists, youth groups, faith sharing groups, and all who look to the liturgical readings for inspiration and nourishment. Join Ken Canedo as he breaks open the Scripture and suggests tracks from the Spirit & Song contemporary repertoire.
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