Nowadays, they say it is almost impossible to get lost. With directional apps and dashboard maps, we simply speak an address and are guided step by step to our destination.
And yet, we have all had that uneasy moment: the voice leading us down unfamiliar roads, through strange neighborhoods, along a route that doesn’t quite feel right. We begin to wonder: Is this really the way?
Once again, Happy Easter!
In the early Sundays of the season, we heard the Resurrection appearances of Jesus. Now the Church turns to the Last Discourse in the Gospel of John – his intimate words at the Last Supper. In the light of Easter, these are no longer just farewell words, but words of promise. They lead us toward the Ascension and open our hearts to Pentecost.
In today’s Gospel, the disciples are searching. Jesus speaks of going away, and they do not understand. Thomas speaks for all of us. “Master, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?”
And Jesus answers not with directions, but with himself. “I am the way and the truth and the life.”
This is not a map. It is a relationship. Philip presses further. “Show us the Father, and that will be enough for us.”
And Jesus replies, “Whoever has seen me has seen the Father.”
In Christ, the invisible God becomes visible. The distant becomes near. The unknowable becomes known in love.
The early Church would spend generations reflecting on this mystery, seeking words to express what they had come to believe. Yet even before doctrine was defined, the Spirit was already guiding the community forward.
We see this in today’s reading from Acts. As the Church grows, the apostles call forth others – filled with the Spirit and wisdom – to serve. The first deacons help the community remain rooted in both prayer and service.
This is the Way of Christ. Not simply a path to follow, but a life to be lived.
Jesus promises, “Whoever believes in me will do the works that I do, and will do greater ones than these.”
The Way is not something we observe from a distance. It is love made visible in action, faith embodied in service, unity lived in community.
And unlike the uncertain routes of our technology, this Way does not lead us astray. It leads us home – into the very life of the Father.
So as we continue our Easter journey, we are invited not only to follow Christ, but to become signs of his presence for others.
For the Way is not a set of directions.
The Way is a Person. And that Person is Love.
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, a royal hymn that calls on all creation – nations and seas, rivers and hills – to sing with joy for God’s marvelous deeds.
Entrance Chant Alleluia! He Is Risen (Bob Hurd)
Breaking Bread #185
For your consideration: Bob Hurd’s uplifting “Alleluia! He Is Risen” is a relatively new “Easter carol” that will be a welcome addition to your community repertoire.
Blessing and Sprinkling of Water Gather at the Water (Sarah Hart)
Breaking Bread #653
Sarah Hart’s song for the Rite of Sprinkling has an appealing Americana motif.
Responsorial Psalm Lord, Let Your Mercy Be on Us (Scott Soper)
Spirit & Psalm 2026: p. 184
Scott Soper’s verbatim setting of Psalm 33 is tuneful and will be easily learned by your assembly.
Gospel Acclamation Alleluia: Mass of Restoration (Josh Blakesley and Leland G. “Grae” McCullough, IV)
Spirit & Psalm 2026: p. 1826
The acclamation verse zeroes in on today’s central teaching from Jesus.
Presentation and Preparation of the Gifts Come to the Lord (Steve Angrisano and Tom Tomaszek)
Spirit & Song #244; Never Too Young #66
This popular song begins with the very first words of today’s Gospel: “Do not let your hearts be troubled . . .”
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
The antiphon text is part of Jesus’ Last Discourse from the Gospel of John.
Communion Chant I Will Choose Christ (Tom Booth)
Spirit & Song #220; Never Too Young #261; Breaking Bread #514
This is a contemporary classic that has inspired generations of young people. Note how Verse 2 sings of walking the Road of Love with Christ, which underscores today’s Gospel teaching.
Sending Forth We Will Follow (Dan Brennan, Ken Canedo and Jesse Manibusan)
Spirit & Song #239; Never Too Young #272
The refrain of this spirited song invites us to proclaim that Jesus is indeed our Way, Truth and Life.
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.
If you want to use songs that are not in any of the books you have, you can license the songs through ONE LICENSE. Paying for the usage of songs will ensure the Church will have quality songs for years to come.