Sunday, May 3, is the Fifth Sunday of Easter. Mass readings: Acts 6:1-7; Psalm 33:1-2, 4-5, 18-19; 1 Peter 2:4-9; John 14:1-12.

By his resurrection, Jesus has brought us from death to life. In the epistle, we are summoned to this new life and told what some of its characteristics are.

Come to him, a living stone, rejected by human beings but chosen and precious in the sight of God, and, like living stones, let yourselves be built into a spiritual house.

The entire Christian life is based on our response to an invitation to accept Jesus Christ and to let him transform our life. We are to be strong and firm in our faith. We are able to support and carry others in their time of need, sharing their burdens. Yes, living stones — strong, firm, not easily moved, and alive, quite alive!

... whoever believes shall not be put to shame … but for those without faith: They stumble by disobeying the word, as is their destiny.

A cornerstone is the stone at the bottom of an arch or the row of bricks that supports the whole arch. This is Jesus Christ for us: He is the perfect stone who carries our weight.

You are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people of his own, so that you may announce the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.

As a “chosen race,” we are chosen by God and invited to the great Wedding Feast of the Lamb.

Each of us who is baptized into Christ Jesus is made priest, prophet and king. This “royal” priesthood of all the baptized, while different from the ministerial priesthood, means that all baptized believers share in the royal priesthood, wherein they freely offer themselves to God.

We are also a “holy nation.” To be holy means to be set apart. Hence, we are called out from among the many to be a people that is set apart for God. The word “Church” means the assembly of those called out (ek = out; + klessia = called).

The text says that the Lord has acted in our life so that you may announce the praises of him, who called you out of darkness into his own, wonderful light.

May we prayerfully consider: Have we glorified His name? Do we reflect the light of Christ?