5th Sunday of Easter
In our reading, we hear the story of when Saul came to Jerusalem, he wanted to join the disciples but they were afraid of him. He was against the teachings of the church when he was younger and they did not believe that he changed and was now a follower of Jesus. Barnabas introduced him to the apostles. Barnabas told them of how Saul saw the Lord on his way to Damascus. Jesus had spoken to Saul and now Saul really did believe in Jesus. Saul was telling others about Jesus. Saul stayed with the apostles and preached with great power in the name of Jesus. Some people tried to kill Saul because of his preaching. The disciples protected Saul. With the help of the Holy Spirit, more people believed in Jesus and followed his ways.
In our gospel, Jesus calls himself a vine and we are the branches. We are all part of Jesus’ family – we belong together and God gives us everything we need. Just as a branch grows fruit, we will do good things when we work together with Jesus. Let's grow fruit of kindness, compassion, love, peace, etc.
Special Saint/Feast Day: Blessed Catherine of St. Augustine – May 8
-Catherine was born on May 3, 1632 in France. She was baptized the same day. Her grandparents set a wonderful example for her with their genuine care for the poor. They would invite the poor to their home and offer them a bath, clean clothes, and a meal. They would nurse sick people back to health because there wasn’t a hospital in their small town.
-Catherine joined a new order called the Sisters of St. Augustine who took care of the sick in hospitals. Catherine wanted to be a missionary so she sailed for Canada when she turned 16 years. She lived in Quebec. Sr. Catherine cooked and cared for the sick in the order’s simple hospital building.
-Life was hard as food became scarce, winters were very cold, people were being killed, and villages burned. Some of the sisters could not take the harsh life so they returned to France. Sr. Catherine stayed performing works of charity and praying until she died on May 8, 1668.
-Jesus never promised that our lives would be easy and without pain or trouble. But he did promise to be with us always. When we become afraid or downhearted, we can ask Blessed Catherine to help us to be as courageous as she was.