The joy of Easter extends through May. Half the month is blessed with saints’ days, including two U.S. notables: recently beatified Teresa Demjanovich (8) and Damien de Veuster (10).

Acts talks about the appointing of “elders.” You are a leader of your community. How does your ministry gather the people and make disciples?

If you had your life to live over, what would you do differently? This question is only a parlor game, of course: None of us gets a do-over from birth on out.

When my daughter was asked why she wanted to be confirmed into the Catholic faith, she answered: “Because God needs me.”

In his vision John of Patmos declared he “saw . . . a new Earth,” echoing God’s words in the Book of Isaiah: “For I am about to create . . . a new Earth” (65:17).

As the old order has passed away and we now prepare to celebrate the mystery of Christ’s love, let us acknowledge our failures and ask the Lord for forgiveness.

Love is the vocation that includes all others.

Browse our library for additional Fifth Sunday of Easter, Cycle C material.