RENUNGAN – 3 MAY 2026
Renungan Hujung Minggu (3 May 2026)
REFLECTION ON THE FIFTH SUNDAY OF EASTER YEAR A
Readings: 1st: Acts 6:1-7; Psalm: 32:1-2,4-5,18-19. R.v.22; 2nd: 1Peter 2:4-9; Gos: John 14:1-12
Shalom my dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
On this 5th Sunday of Easter, the Church reminds us of our true identity: we are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s own people. This is not just beautiful language—it is a mission. It tells us who we are and what we are called to do.
To be a chosen race means we are not random or forgotten. God has personally called each of us to belong to Him and to reflect His light in the world. And as a royal priesthood, through our baptism, we share in the priesthood of Jesus Christ. But what does that really mean?
In the Gospel, Jesus comforts His disciples: “Do not let your hearts be troubled… I am the way, the truth, and the life.” He speaks of preparing a place for us in the Father’s house. This reminds us that we are truly children of God, called to be with Him. Yet many of us forget this identity, and so we fail to live out our dignity and mission.
Jesus does not only show us the way—He is the way. To follow Him is to share in His life and His relationship with the Father. Even more, He tells us that those who believe in Him will do the works He does, and even greater works. This is possible because He shares His mission with us. We are not just spectators; we are participants.
In the first reading from the Acts of the Apostles, we see the early Church facing challenges. Some widows are being neglected. The apostles respond by sharing responsibility, appointing others to serve the community. This shows us that the Church is built not by one person, but by everyone playing their role. It also teaches us the importance of balancing prayer, the Word of God, and service to others.
From this, we learn that our royal priesthood is lived out in both spiritual and practical ways. We are called to care for one another, to serve, and to remain rooted in prayer. We cannot do everything alone—we need each other in building up the Body of Christ.
In the second reading, St. Peter calls us “living stones,” built into a spiritual house. As priestly people, we are called to offer spiritual sacrifices to God. These are not sacrifices of animals, but of our own lives—our prayers, struggles, works, and acts of love.
What are these sacrifices? They are simple but powerful:
when we forgive someone, when we are patient in suffering, when we serve our family with love, when we choose honesty over convenience. These are the daily offerings of our royal priesthood.
And why “royal” priesthood? Because we share in the kingship of Christ—a kingship not of power, but of love and service. Jesus reigns from the Cross. So our “reign” is lived through humility, sacrifice, and self-giving love.
This gives deeper meaning to the Eucharist. We do not come to Mass as passive observers. We come to offer our lives. When the bread and wine are brought to the altar, we place our own lives there—our joys, struggles, and sacrifices—uniting them with Christ’s perfect offering.
As the psalm reminds us, “Lord, let your mercy be on us, as we place our trust in you.” Our offering is rooted in trust, believing that God can transform our imperfect lives into something holy.
So, brothers and sisters, to be a royal priesthood means:
we belong to God, we share in Christ’s mission, we offer our lives as sacrifice, and we serve one another in love.
Let us not come to Mass empty-handed. Bring your life to the altar. And when you leave this church, remember that your priesthood continues—in your homes, your workplaces, and your daily encounters.
Let us live as who we truly are; a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a people set apart to proclaim the goodness of God.
Alleluia, alleluia. Amen.
Blessed Easter to all.
Kat. Richard Jomiji Kinsil
Pastoral Formation Office, Couples for Christ, Sabah
St. Therese Child of Jesus, Kolopis
St. Michael Parish, Penampang
