A NEW VISION OF LIFE

Homily for the Fifth Sunday of Easter, Year C

Fr. Ugochukwu Ugwoke, ISch

Bible Texts: Acts 14:21-27; Revelation 21:1-5; John 13:31-35

Some years ago, a young woman shared her story of leaving home after a bitter argument that tore her family apart. The pain and pride kept her away for years. But when she finally returned, unsure of what to expect, her mother opened the door, hugged her tightly, and whispered, “It is been long enough. Let us begin again.” That simple act of love sparked the healing her family so badly needed. “Let’s begin again.” These words reflect the message of today’s liturgy: through love, God makes all things new.

In today’s second reading, we hear a breathtaking promise: “Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth… Behold, the dwelling of God is with humanity… He will wipe every tear from their eyes” (Rev. 21:1-15). This passage, often read at funerals, is not just about life after death - it is about newness of life here and now. The old order marked by division, pain, and estrangement is passing away. God is not passive; He actively declares, “Behold, I make all things new.”

This “newness” is not cosmetic. It is transformative. God wants to restore relationships, renew communities, and rebuild broken hearts. The new heaven and new earth are a symbol of a new humanity that lives not by power or selfishness, but by the law of love. Jesus clearly spelt this out in the Gospel reading: Love one another as I have loved you.”

This is not a sentimental love or mere kindness. It is sacrificial love - love that stoops to wash feet (John 13:1-17), that forgives betrayal, and that goes to the Cross. Jesus says, “As I have loved you,” meaning we are to love without conditions, without waiting for the other to be perfect, and without seeking anything in return. This kind of love distinguishes us: “By this will all know you are my disciples.” Not by how long we pray, or how eloquently we speak about God, but by how deeply we love. In a world of harsh opinions, broken families, tribal tensions, indifference, insensitivity, and political hatred, Jesus is asking, Can you love differently?

In the first reading from the Acts of the Apostles, Paul and Barnabas show us how to truly love. There, we see Paul and Barnabas traveling back to cities where they were persecuted. Why? To strengthen the disciples, encourage them to persevere, and help them grow. They knew that the road to God’s kingdom is marked by hardship, but they also knew that love keeps going. They did not abandon the young Christian communities but walked with them in their struggle. They appointed leaders, prayed, fasted, and reported all that God had done with them.

This is what real discipleship looks like - building others up, not tearing them down. Accompanying people in their trials, not judging from afar. Empathy for others and giving a helping hand to those in need. True love does not run from challenges; it grows deeper through them.

So, what does this all mean for us today? Perhaps someone in your life has hurt you. Jesus says: “Love as I have loved you.” Can you be the one to begin again? Maybe your community or family is divided. The vision of Revelation invites us to imagine a new world built not on blame but on compassion. Maybe you feel tired or hopeless, like the early Christians. Remember Paul and Barnabas - God is not finished with you. He is building something new. Loving like Christ is not easy. It requires grace. But it is also the mark of true discipleship, the way we build heaven on earth.

Dear friend, the Easter season is not just about a resurrected Christ - it is about resurrected lives. It is about a new humanity built on the foundation of love. Let us go into this week with these words ringing in our hearts: “Behold, I make all things new.” May we become the instruments of that newness - through every act of mercy, every word of kindness, every step of forgiveness. And may others look at us and say: “There go the disciples of Jesus… See how they love one another.” Amen.