When Jesus asked Peter, “Do you love Me more than these others do?”, He wasn’t seeking comparison but offering restoration. Through this question, Jesus gently led Peter from pride and presumption to humility and obedient love, reclaiming him after his threefold denial.

Peter’s journey reminds us that God meets each of us in our uniqueness. True and authentic love flows not from comparison or competition, but from a humble heart that follows Christ faithfully. We can only love God to the extent that He first loves us and empowers us to respond.

Reflection question: In what ways do I compare my relationship with God or with others, to someone else’s? How is Jesus inviting me to follow Him more humbly and personally today?

Unity is not found in doctrine alone, it must be expressed in love. A Church that is united in truth and overflowing with charity becomes a powerful witness to the world. Without love, our faith communities risk becoming divided, disillusioned, and ineffective. True unity is not uniformity, but a communion shaped by shared faith in Christ and a commitment to live that faith out in loving community.

Reflection Question: In what ways can I help my community grow in unity by living out both the truth of our faith and the love of Christ?

Whether we are a parish leader, group leader, or parent, we are reminded today of the responsibility that we have for the well-being of those under our care. This message is not reserved for the clergy. Indeed, each of us, in our roles as ministry leaders, leaders of organisations, leaders of groups, or leaders at home, need to take seriously the responsibility that God has granted to us, for the care of His flock. Have we been diligent in ensuring that we are fostering unity in these spaces? Are we conscious of what is going on in their lives and how we can help them encounter Him in a deeper way?

Yet, we can only be good leaders when we first take care of ourselves and our relationship with God. Rather than allowing worldly pursuits and goals to become our priority, we need to first root ourselves in Christ and draw strength and guidance from Him so that we can lead as He leads. May this reminder cause us to reorientate ourselves towards Him once again so that we, as leaders, can truly lead His people towards Him and seek to fulfil His will instead of ours.

Reflection question: What do I need to change about the way I lead others, so that my service and leadership can be more reflective of Christ’s selfless and devoted love?

The disciples felt deep sorrow when they heard of Jesus’ impending passion and death. In our own lives, we face grief, loneliness, and suffering that can crush the spirit—especially when endured without hope. But when sadness is carried with Christ and enlightened by the Holy Spirit, we are reminded that our trials are not the end. True peace comes not from the absence of struggle, but from the love and joy the Holy Spirit bestows upon us in our hearts.

Reflection Question: In your current situation, where might the Holy Spirit be offering you peace, strength, or a new perspective?

The Solemnity of the Ascension of our Lord is not about Christ's departure but a redefinition of Christ's presence. It signifies His return in a new and profound way. Through the Word of God, the Sacraments, the Church, the poor, and in prayer, Christ remains profoundly present to us.

The Ascension marks Jesus' return to divine glory, but also His empowering gift to the Church: His Spirit. As we journey towards Pentecost, we are invited to rediscover how Jesus remains with us: alive and active in our lives through His Spirit.

Reflection question: In what ways have I experienced the presence of Christ through the Holy Spirit in my life?

While reason may give us some insight to the questions we have, it will never be able to help us attain a full understanding of the mysteries of life. It is faith in Christ that will be able to satisfy these longings within us and lead us to the fullness of truth.

Let us turn to the Holy Spirit, who reveals Christ to us and makes His presence dwell within us, so that we may live our lives in a holistic and authentic manner.

Reflection question: Is my understanding of God based on faith or reason?

Jesus assures His disciples, and us, that we are not alone. As Jesus ascends to return to the Father, his departure makes way for the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, guides and strengthens us. The Holy Spirit helps the Church in four ways: He reveals to us the sins that we may be unaware of or are desensitised to, helps us to understand and believe in the true identity of Jesus as Messiah and Lord, moves us to repentance and conversion, and helps us to be witnesses for the Lord.

Let us pray for a deeper relationship with the Holy Spirit, and that He will open the minds and hearts of the people that we witness to.

Reflection question: What is my relationship with the Holy Spirit like?

Just as God's love for us is a gift of grace, so too is the friendship that Jesus offers. He reveals to us what true friendship looks like — a relationship marked by total self-giving, unconditional care, and sacrificial love. As missionary disciples, we are invited to deepen our friendship with both God and one another, for this is the foundation of our calling.

We are not only called to remain close to Christ, but also to bear fruits, fruits that will last. This means leaving a lasting impact by bringing healing, hope, and light into the lives of those around us.

But we cannot love with our human capacity, which is often conditional and limited. We must love with the heart of Christ, which is a love that only becomes possible when we first allow ourselves to be deeply loved by Him.

Reflection question: How can I be a better friend to the Lord and to others in my life?

If we desire to be fruitful missionary disciples, we need to first remain in God’s love. But what does that really entail?

It is not just about falling in love with Him, but also about keeping His commandments – that is, not mere laws that we need to obey, but the means to which we can identify with His heart and mind. We are reminded today that the commandments exist not to enslave us or hold us back from a vibrant life, but to teach us how we can imitate Christ and reflect His love in our interactions with others. It is when we can identify ourselves with the Lord and allow Him to use us as channels of His joy, love and hope for others, that we can find great happiness and fulfilment in life.

Today, let us renew our love for Christ and pray for the grace to be faithful to His commandments, so that we can come to appreciate His heart and mind in a deeper way.

Reflection Question: How can I deepen my understanding of God's love and grow to be a more effective missionary disciple?

While the Church welcomes all and embraces the diverse backgrounds of all people, we are reminded today that inclusivity cannot be at the cost of the Truth of the Gospel. Indeed, true unity is not found in the embracing of our sentimentalities or when we seek to alter Church doctrine to make room for what our personal inclinations are. True unity is found in Christ and His Word.

Christ, who journeyed with the disciples on the Road to Emmaus, shows us what it means to truly be a synodal Church. While we are to share our joys, sorrows and aspirations with one another, we as Church, also have an important responsibility of speaking the Truth with others so that His Word may enlighten the hearts and minds of all of humanity, enabling them to discover the fullness of life – that is, a life lived in union with Christ.

Reflection question: How can I uphold the Truth of the Gospel while fostering unity within the diverse body of Christ?