Monday
of the Seventh Week of Easter
Lectionary: 297
Lectionary: 297
While
Apollos was in Corinth,
Paul traveled through the interior of the country
and down to Ephesus where he found some disciples.
He said to them,
“Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you became believers?”
They answered him,
“We have never even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.”
He said, “How were you baptized?”
They replied, “With the baptism of John.”
Paul then said, “John baptized with a baptism of repentance,
telling the people to believe in the one who was to come after him,
that is, in Jesus.”
When they heard this,
they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.
And when Paul laid his hands on them,
the Holy Spirit came upon them,
and they spoke in tongues and prophesied.
Altogether there were about twelve men.
He entered the synagogue, and for three months debated boldly
with persuasive arguments about the Kingdom of God.
Paul traveled through the interior of the country
and down to Ephesus where he found some disciples.
He said to them,
“Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you became believers?”
They answered him,
“We have never even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.”
He said, “How were you baptized?”
They replied, “With the baptism of John.”
Paul then said, “John baptized with a baptism of repentance,
telling the people to believe in the one who was to come after him,
that is, in Jesus.”
When they heard this,
they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.
And when Paul laid his hands on them,
the Holy Spirit came upon them,
and they spoke in tongues and prophesied.
Altogether there were about twelve men.
He entered the synagogue, and for three months debated boldly
with persuasive arguments about the Kingdom of God.
Responsorial
PsalmPS 68:2-3AB, 4-5ACD,
6-7AB
R.
(33a) Sing to God, O kingdoms of the earth.
or:
R. Alleluia.
God arises; his enemies are scattered,
and those who hate him flee before him.
As smoke is driven away, so are they driven;
as wax melts before the fire.
R. Sing to God, O kingdoms of the earth.
or:
R. Alleluia.
But the just rejoice and exult before God;
they are glad and rejoice.
Sing to God, chant praise to his name;
whose name is the LORD.
R. Sing to God, O kingdoms of the earth.
or:
R. Alleluia.
The father of orphans and the defender of widows
is God in his holy dwelling.
God gives a home to the forsaken;
he leads forth prisoners to prosperity.
R. Sing to God, O kingdoms of the earth.
or:
R. Alleluia.
or:
R. Alleluia.
God arises; his enemies are scattered,
and those who hate him flee before him.
As smoke is driven away, so are they driven;
as wax melts before the fire.
R. Sing to God, O kingdoms of the earth.
or:
R. Alleluia.
But the just rejoice and exult before God;
they are glad and rejoice.
Sing to God, chant praise to his name;
whose name is the LORD.
R. Sing to God, O kingdoms of the earth.
or:
R. Alleluia.
The father of orphans and the defender of widows
is God in his holy dwelling.
God gives a home to the forsaken;
he leads forth prisoners to prosperity.
R. Sing to God, O kingdoms of the earth.
or:
R. Alleluia.
AlleluiaCOL 3:1
R. Alleluia,
alleluia.
If then you were raised with Christ,
seek what is above,
where Christ is seated at the right hand of God.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
If then you were raised with Christ,
seek what is above,
where Christ is seated at the right hand of God.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
GospelJN 16:29-33
The
disciples said to Jesus,
“Now you are talking plainly, and not in any figure of speech.
Now we realize that you know everything
and that you do not need to have anyone question you.
Because of this we believe that you came from God.”
Jesus answered them, “Do you believe now?
Behold, the hour is coming and has arrived
when each of you will be scattered to his own home
and you will leave me alone.
But I am not alone, because the Father is with me.
I have told you this so that you might have peace in me.
In the world you will have trouble,
but take courage, I have conquered the world.”
“Now you are talking plainly, and not in any figure of speech.
Now we realize that you know everything
and that you do not need to have anyone question you.
Because of this we believe that you came from God.”
Jesus answered them, “Do you believe now?
Behold, the hour is coming and has arrived
when each of you will be scattered to his own home
and you will leave me alone.
But I am not alone, because the Father is with me.
I have told you this so that you might have peace in me.
In the world you will have trouble,
but take courage, I have conquered the world.”
Meditation: Peace in overcoming the
world"
How
did the disciples come to believe that Jesus is truly the Son of God sent from
the eternal Father in heaven? When Jesus taught his disciples he often spoke in
parables - using short stories and vivid images which expressed in picture
language what God's kingdom is like and how God's power can change and
transform their lives to be like him. These stories were intended to make his
disciples reflect and think through the inner spiritual truths he wanted them
to understand and accept.
Now
Jesus begins to speak more plainly to the disciples about the mission and
purpose for which he was sent into the world - not to condemn the world but
through love to redeem it (John 3:16). The disciples professed their belief in
Jesus that he truly came from God and taught as one who possessed full knowledge
of God. Jesus' response showed that he fully knew and understood them very
well. Jesus could read their hearts like an open book. He knew their weaknesses
as well as their strengths.
In
spite of their confident faith, Jesus warned his disciples that they would be
put to the test and would fail. He knew they would desert him in his hour of
trial when he would be arrested and condemned to death on the cross. Such
knowledge of their faltering loyalty could have easily led to bitterness and
rejection on his part. Jesus met the injury of betrayal and abandonment with
supreme love and earnest prayer for his disciples (Luke 22:32; John 17:15).
"He loved them to the very end" (John 13:1) - even when they had left
him to die alone on the cross.
Jesus
reassures them of his peace, unfailing love, and victory over the world which
is in opposition to God's reign. Jesus speaks the same reassuring words of
enduring love, faithfulness, and victory to his followers today. "I
will never fail you nor forsake you." While we may forget the Lord and
fail him, he will never forget us nor fail to come to our aid. When you are put
to the test do you seek the Lord Jesus and place your trust in his help and
mercy?
While
we cannot avoid all pain and suffering which may come our way in this life, the
Lord Jesus assures us that he has overcome the world and all that would seek to
keep us from his saving help and healing presence. He promises to guide us
safely through any trial or hardship we may have to undergo for his sake. The
Lord Jesus gives us the gift of his Holy Spirit who strengthens us with faith,
courage, and perseverance to stay the course which he has set for us. The Holy
Spirit fills us with a living hope in the power of Christ's resurrection (1
Peter 1:3) and reassures our heart with a confident trust in God's abiding
presence.
Nothing
can separate us from the love of Christ and the victory he has won for us
(Romans 8:35-39). The Holy Spirit gives us the strength and courage we need to
overcome every adversity and to persevere with faith and hope in God. Do you
believe in the power of Christ's love for you and in the victory he has won for
you through his death and resurrection?
"Lord
Jesus, help me to trust in your unwavering love and saving help, especially
when I meet adversities, trials, and temptations. Give me your peace when I am
troubled and let me know the joy of your victory over sin and death."
Daily
Quote from the early church fathers: In Christ we have peace, by Augustine of Hippo, 354-430
A.D.
"When
[Jesus] says, 'These things have I spoken to you, that in me you might have
peace,' he refers not only to what he has just said but also to what he had
said all along, either from the time that he first had disciples, or since the
supper, when he began this long and wonderful discourse... He declares this to
be the object of his whole discourse, that is, that in him they might have
peace. And this peace will have no end but is itself the end of every godly
action and intention." (excerpt from TRACTATES ON THE GOSPEL OF JOHN
104.1.15)
MONDAY, MAY 9, JOHN 16:29-33
Easter Weekday
(Acts 19:1-8, Psalm 68)
Easter Weekday
(Acts 19:1-8, Psalm 68)
KEY VERSE: "In the world you will have trouble, but take courage, I have conquered the world" (v.33).
TO KNOW: Before Jesus ascended to his Father, he prepared his followers to face his final "hour" in which he would suffer and die. His disciples naively assumed that they had complete faith in Jesus; however, he forewarned them that when the time came for his passion, they would all fail him. They would scatter like frightened sheep who had lost their shepherd (Zec 13:7). In his agony, Jesus would feel as though even his Father had abandoned him (Mk 15:34). Yet Jesus and his Father could never be separated; He and the Father are one. Jesus told his disciples that they should not despair but have confidence in his presence. Although they would suffer greatly in the world, they must take heart. In Jesus' resurrection, he would be victorious over all evil.
TO LOVE: Do I need to console someone who feels they have failed the Lord?
TO SERVE: Risen Lord, help the Church to have faith in times of adversity.
Monday 9 May 2016
Mon 9th.
Acts
19:1-8. Sing to God, O kingdoms of the earth—Ps 67(68):2-7. John
16:29-33.
A message of hope.
Jesus is strengthened because of his love of God.
During his ministry, Jesus gathered followers and disciples from far and wide.
Despite the power of his message to touch and move people, he sees that each of
his followers would leave him. But he is not alone as his father is with him.
Jesus forgives us for leaving him in his hour of need and tells us of God’s
steadfastness so that we are relieved of the guilt of our abandonment and so we
can equally share in the comfort of God’s presence.
He leaves us with a message of hope saying, ‘in the
world you will have trouble, but take courage, I have conquered the world’. We
give profound thanks for Jesus’ sacrifice, which redeems our sins, and for
God’s never-ending presence in our lives.
MINUTE
MEDITATIONS
|
A Sensitive Heart
|
Whatever we hear, and whatever we see, taste, touch, or smell,
vibrates deep down with God’s song. To resonate with this song in gratefulness
is what I call singing back. This attitude of prayer has given great joy to all
my senses and to my heart.
May 9
St. John of Avila
(1500-1569)
St. John of Avila
(1500-1569)
Born in the Castile
region of Spain, John was sent at the age of 14 to the University of Salamanca
to study law. He later moved to Alcala, where he studied philosophy and
theology before his ordination as a diocesan priest.
After John’s parents died and left him as their sole heir to a considerable fortune, he distributed his money to the poor. In 1527, he traveled to Seville, hoping to become a missionary in Mexico. The archbishop of that city persuaded him to stay and spread the faith in Andalusia (southwestern Spain). During nine years of work there, he developed a reputation as an engaging preacher, a perceptive spiritual director and a wise confessor.
Because John was not afraid to denounce vice in high places, he was investigated by the Inquisition but was cleared in 1533. He later worked in Cordoba and then in Granada, where he organized the University of Baeza, the first of several colleges run by diocesan priests who dedicated themselves to teaching and giving spiritual direction to young people.
He was friends with Sts. Francis Borgia, Ignatius of Loyola, John of God, John of the Cross, Peter of Alcantara, and Teresa of Avila. John of Avila worked closely with members of the Society of Jesus and helped their growth within Spain and its colonies. John’s mystical writings have been translated into several languages.
He was beatified in 1894, canonized in 1970, and declared a doctor of the Church on October 7, 2012.
After John’s parents died and left him as their sole heir to a considerable fortune, he distributed his money to the poor. In 1527, he traveled to Seville, hoping to become a missionary in Mexico. The archbishop of that city persuaded him to stay and spread the faith in Andalusia (southwestern Spain). During nine years of work there, he developed a reputation as an engaging preacher, a perceptive spiritual director and a wise confessor.
Because John was not afraid to denounce vice in high places, he was investigated by the Inquisition but was cleared in 1533. He later worked in Cordoba and then in Granada, where he organized the University of Baeza, the first of several colleges run by diocesan priests who dedicated themselves to teaching and giving spiritual direction to young people.
He was friends with Sts. Francis Borgia, Ignatius of Loyola, John of God, John of the Cross, Peter of Alcantara, and Teresa of Avila. John of Avila worked closely with members of the Society of Jesus and helped their growth within Spain and its colonies. John’s mystical writings have been translated into several languages.
He was beatified in 1894, canonized in 1970, and declared a doctor of the Church on October 7, 2012.
Comment:
St. John of Avila knew
that the lives of Christians can contradict the Good News of Jesus Christ (for
example, thinking racism is OK), implicitly encouraging Christians to live
their faith-halfheartedly and causing obstacles to non-Christians who might
accept Baptism. In 16th-century Spain, those who advocated reforming
the Church were often suspected of heresy. St. John of Avila held his ground
and was eventually recognized as a very reliable teacher about the Christian
faith.
Quote:
At the Mass after John of Avila and Hildegard of Bingen were declared Doctors of the Church, Pope Benedict XVI described him as “a profound expert on the sacred Scripture . . . gifted with an ardent missionary spirit.” The pope continued: “He knew how to penetrate in a uniquely profound way the mysteries of the redemption worked by Christ for humanity. A man of God, he united constant prayer to apostolic action. He dedicated himself to preaching and to the more frequent practice of the sacraments, concentrating his commitment on improving the formation of candidates for the priesthood, of religious and of lay people, with a view to a fruitful reform of the Church.”
At the Mass after John of Avila and Hildegard of Bingen were declared Doctors of the Church, Pope Benedict XVI described him as “a profound expert on the sacred Scripture . . . gifted with an ardent missionary spirit.” The pope continued: “He knew how to penetrate in a uniquely profound way the mysteries of the redemption worked by Christ for humanity. A man of God, he united constant prayer to apostolic action. He dedicated himself to preaching and to the more frequent practice of the sacraments, concentrating his commitment on improving the formation of candidates for the priesthood, of religious and of lay people, with a view to a fruitful reform of the Church.”
LECTIO DIVINA: JOHN 16,29-33
Lectio
Divina:
Monday,
May 9, 2016
1) OPENING PRAYER
Lord
our God,
when your Son Jesus had to pass through trials,
he knew that you were with him
and he committed himself into your hands.
In this way he brought peace to people.
As people baptized into his name,
let your Spirit help us to be brave
when suffering and difficulties come our way,
that, like your Son and with him,
we may overcome evil in ourselves
and in the world.
May our pains give birth
to love and peace and hope for others.
We ask you this through Christ our Lord.
when your Son Jesus had to pass through trials,
he knew that you were with him
and he committed himself into your hands.
In this way he brought peace to people.
As people baptized into his name,
let your Spirit help us to be brave
when suffering and difficulties come our way,
that, like your Son and with him,
we may overcome evil in ourselves
and in the world.
May our pains give birth
to love and peace and hope for others.
We ask you this through Christ our Lord.
2) GOSPEL READING - JOHN
16,29-33
The
disciples of Jesus said, 'Now you are speaking plainly and not using veiled
language. Now we see that you know everything and need not wait for questions
to be put into words; because of this we believe that you came from God.' Jesus
answered them: Do you believe at last? Listen; the time will come -- indeed it
has come already -- when you are going to be scattered, each going his own way
and leaving me alone. And yet I am not alone, because the Father is with me. I
have told you all this so that you may find peace in me. In the world you will
have hardship, but be courageous: I have conquered the world.
3) REFLECTION
•
The context of today’s Gospel continues to be the environment of the Last
Supper, an environment of fraternity and of farewell, of sadness and of
expectation, in which is mirrored the situation of the communities of Asia
Minor at the end of the first century. In order to be able to understand the
Gospels well, we can never forget that they give the words of Jesus not as if
they had been registered in a CD to transmit them literally. The Gospels are
pastoral writings which seek to embody and update the words of Jesus in the new
situations in which the communities find themselves in the second half of the
first century in Galilee (Matthew), in Greece (Luke), in Italy (Mark) and in
Asia Minor (John). In the Gospel of John, the words and the questions of the
disciples are not only those of the disciples, in fact, they reveal the
questions and problems of the communities. They are the mirror in which the
communities of that time as well as those of today are recognized with their
sadness and their anguishes, with their joys and their hopes. And they find
light and strength in the answers of Jesus.
•
John 16, 29-30: Now, you are speaking plainly. Jesus had told his disciples:
The Father himself loves you, because you have loved me, and you have believed
that I come from God. I came from the Father and have come into the world and
now I am leaving the world to go to the Father (Jn 16, 29-30). Listening to
this affirmation of Jesus, the disciples answered: “Now you are speaking
plainly and not using veiled language. Now we see that you know everything and
need not wait for questions to be put into words. Because of this we believe
that you came from God”. The disciples think that they have understood
everything. Yes, truly they got a true light to clarify their problems. But it
was still a very dim light. They got the seed, but at that moment, not knowing
the tree. The light or the seed was the fundamental intuition of faith
according to which Jesus is for us the revelation of God, who is Father: “Now
we believe that you came from God.“ But this was only the beginning, the seed.
Jesus himself was and continues to be the great parable or the revelation of
God for us. God reaches us and reveals himself to us. But God does not enter
into any schema. He exceeds all, goes beyond our schema and gives us the
unexpected surprise which, sometimes, is very painful.
•
John 16, 31-32: You are leaving me alone and yet I am not alone because the
Father is with me. Jesus asks: Do you believe at last? He knows his disciples.
He knows that there is still much lacking for the understanding of the mystery
of God and of the Good News of God. He knows that in spite of the good will and
in spite of the light that they have just received in that moment, they still
have to face the unexpected and painful surprise of the Passion and Death of
Jesus. The small light that they got is not sufficient to overcome the darkness
of the crisis: Behold, the time will come, indeed it has come already, when you
are going to be scattered , each one going his own way and leaving me alone;
and yet I am not alone because the Father is with me. This is the source of
certitude of Jesus and through Jesus, this is and will be the source of
certitude for all of us: The Father is with me! When Moses was sent to liberate
the people from the oppression of the Egyptians, this being his mission, he
received this certainty: “”Go! I am with you” /Ex 3, 12). The certainty of the
liberating presence of God is expressed in the name that God assumes at the
moment of the beginning of the Exodus and of the liberation of his people:
JHWH, God with us: This is the name for all time (Ex 3, 15). A Name which is
present more than six thousand times only in the New Testament.
•
John 16, 33: Courage, I have conquered the world! And now we have the last
phrase pronounced by Jesus who anticipates the victory and which will be a
source of peace and of strength for the disciples of that time, as well as for
all of us, up until now: I have told you all this so that you may find peace in
me. In the world you will have hardship, but be courageous, I have conquered
the world”. With his sacrifice out of love, Jesus conquers the world and Satan.
His disciples are called to participate in the struggle and the victory. To
feel the courage which he gives is already to overcome the battle”. (L.A.
Schokel)
4) FOR PERSONAL CONFRONTATION
•
A small light helped the disciples to take a step farther, but it did not light
the whole journey. Have you had a similar experience in your life?
•
Courage, I have conquered the world! Has this phrase of Jesus helped you some
times in your life?
5) CONCLUDING PRAYER
Protect
me, O God, in you is my refuge.
To Yahweh I say, 'You are my Lord, my happiness is in none
My birthright, my cup is Yahweh;
you, you alone, hold my lot secure. (Ps 16,1-2,5)
To Yahweh I say, 'You are my Lord, my happiness is in none
My birthright, my cup is Yahweh;
you, you alone, hold my lot secure. (Ps 16,1-2,5)
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