Monday of the Sixth Week of Easter
Lectionary: 291
Lectionary: 291
We set sail from Troas, making a straight run for Samothrace,
and on the next day to Neapolis, and from there to Philippi,
a leading city in that district of Macedonia and a Roman colony.
We spent some time in that city.
On the sabbath we went outside the city gate along the river
where we thought there would be a place of prayer.
We sat and spoke with the women who had gathered there.
One of them, a woman named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth,
from the city of Thyatira, a worshiper of God, listened,
and the Lord opened her heart to pay attention
to what Paul was saying.
After she and her household had been baptized,
she offered us an invitation,
"If you consider me a believer in the Lord,
come and stay at my home," and she prevailed on us.
and on the next day to Neapolis, and from there to Philippi,
a leading city in that district of Macedonia and a Roman colony.
We spent some time in that city.
On the sabbath we went outside the city gate along the river
where we thought there would be a place of prayer.
We sat and spoke with the women who had gathered there.
One of them, a woman named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth,
from the city of Thyatira, a worshiper of God, listened,
and the Lord opened her heart to pay attention
to what Paul was saying.
After she and her household had been baptized,
she offered us an invitation,
"If you consider me a believer in the Lord,
come and stay at my home," and she prevailed on us.
Responsorial
PsalmPS 149:1B-2, 3-4, 5-6A
AND 9B
R. (see 4a) The
Lord takes delight in his people.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Sing to the LORD a new song
of praise in the assembly of the faithful.
Let Israel be glad in their maker,
let the children of Zion rejoice in their king.
R. The Lord takes delight in his people.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Let them praise his name in the festive dance,
let them sing praise to him with timbrel and harp.
For the LORD loves his people,
and he adorns the lowly with victory.
R. The Lord takes delight in his people.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Let the faithful exult in glory;
let them sing for joy upon their couches.
Let the high praises of God be in their throats.
This is the glory of all his faithful. Alleluia.
R. The Lord takes delight in his people.
or:
R. Alleluia.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Sing to the LORD a new song
of praise in the assembly of the faithful.
Let Israel be glad in their maker,
let the children of Zion rejoice in their king.
R. The Lord takes delight in his people.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Let them praise his name in the festive dance,
let them sing praise to him with timbrel and harp.
For the LORD loves his people,
and he adorns the lowly with victory.
R. The Lord takes delight in his people.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Let the faithful exult in glory;
let them sing for joy upon their couches.
Let the high praises of God be in their throats.
This is the glory of all his faithful. Alleluia.
R. The Lord takes delight in his people.
or:
R. Alleluia.
AlleluiaJN 15:26B, 27A
R. Alleluia,
alleluia.
The Spirit of truth will testify to me, says the Lord,
and you also will testify.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
The Spirit of truth will testify to me, says the Lord,
and you also will testify.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
GospelJN 15:26—16:4A
Jesus said to his disciples:
"When the Advocate comes whom I will send you from the Father,
the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father,
he will testify to me.
And you also testify,
because you have been with me from the beginning.
"I have told you this so that you may not fall away.
They will expel you from the synagogues;
in fact, the hour is coming when everyone who kills you
will think he is offering worship to God.
They will do this because they have not known either the Father or me.
I have told you this so that when their hour comes
you may remember that I told you."
"When the Advocate comes whom I will send you from the Father,
the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father,
he will testify to me.
And you also testify,
because you have been with me from the beginning.
"I have told you this so that you may not fall away.
They will expel you from the synagogues;
in fact, the hour is coming when everyone who kills you
will think he is offering worship to God.
They will do this because they have not known either the Father or me.
I have told you this so that when their hour comes
you may remember that I told you."
Meditation: "When the Counselor comes, the
Spirit of truth"
Where do you find help and support when you most need
it? True friendship is strengthened in adversity. Jesus offers his disciples
the best and truest of friends. Who is this promised friend? Jesus calls the
Holy Spirit our Counselor and Advocate (also
translated Paraclete or Helper). How does the Holy
Spirit help us as the counselor? Counselor is a legal term for
the person who defends someone against an adversary and who guides that person
during the ordeal of trial. The Holy Spirit is our Advocate and Helper who
guides and strengthens us and brings us safely through the challenges and
adversities we must face in this life.
Person and role of the Holy Spirit
As Jesus approaches the hour he was to be glorified - through his death on the cross and his resurrection - he revealed more fully to his disciples the person and role of the Holy Spirit. What does Jesus tell us about the Holy Spirit? First, the Holy Spirit is inseparably one with the Father and the Son. It is the Holy Spirit who gives life - the very life of God - and who makes faith come alive in hearts and minds of people who are receptive to God's word.
As Jesus approaches the hour he was to be glorified - through his death on the cross and his resurrection - he revealed more fully to his disciples the person and role of the Holy Spirit. What does Jesus tell us about the Holy Spirit? First, the Holy Spirit is inseparably one with the Father and the Son. It is the Holy Spirit who gives life - the very life of God - and who makes faith come alive in hearts and minds of people who are receptive to God's word.
The Holy Spirit makes it possible for us to know God
personally. He gives us experiential knowledge of God as our Father. The Spirit
witnesses to our spirit that the Father has indeed sent his only begotten Son
into the world to redeem it and has raised his Son, Jesus Christ, from the dead
and has seated him at his right hand in glory and power.
The Holy Spirit reveals to us the knowledge, wisdom
and plan of God for the ages and the Spirit enables us to see with the
"eyes of faith" what the Father and the Son are doing. Through the
gift and working of the Holy Spirit we become witnesses to the great work of
God in Christ Jesus.
Spirit strengthens us in faith and courage
Jesus warned his disciples that they could expect persecution just as Jesus was opposed and treated with hostility. We have been given the Holy Spirit to help us live as disciples of Jesus Christ. The Spirit gives us courage and perseverance when we meet adversities and challenges. Do you pray for the Holy Spirit to strengthen you in faith, hope and love and to give you courage and perseverance when you meet adversities and challenges?
Jesus warned his disciples that they could expect persecution just as Jesus was opposed and treated with hostility. We have been given the Holy Spirit to help us live as disciples of Jesus Christ. The Spirit gives us courage and perseverance when we meet adversities and challenges. Do you pray for the Holy Spirit to strengthen you in faith, hope and love and to give you courage and perseverance when you meet adversities and challenges?
"O merciful God, fill our hearts, we pray, with
the graces of your Holy Spirit; with love, joy, peace, patience, gentleness,
goodness, faithfulness, humility and self-control. Teach us to love those who
hate us; to pray for those who despitefully use us; that we may be the children
of your love, our Father, who makes the sun to rise on the evil and the good,
and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. In adversity grant us grace to be
patient; in prosperity keep us humble; may we guard the door of our lips; may
we lightly esteem the pleasures of this world, and thirst after heavenly
things; through Jesus Christ our Lord." (Prayer of Anselm, 1033-1109)
Daily Quote from the early church fathers: The Comforter is with us in our troubles, by
Cyril of Jerusalem, 430-543 A.D.
"He is called the Comforter because he comforts
and encourages us and helps our infirmities. We do not know what we should pray
for as we should, but the Spirit himself makes intercession for us, with
groanings that cannot be uttered (Romans 8:26), that is, he makes intercession
to God. Very often, someone has been outraged and dishonored unjustly for the
sake of Christ. Martyrdom is at hand; tortures on every side, and fire, and
sword, and savage beasts and the pit. But the Holy Spirit softly whispers to
him, 'Wait on the Lord' (Psalm 27:14). What is now happening to you is a small
matter; the reward will be great. Suffer a little while, and you will be with
angels forever. 'The sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing to
the glory that shall be revealed in us' (Romans 8:18). He portrays to the
person the kingdom of heaven. He gives him a glimpse of the paradise of
delight." (excerpt from CATECHETICAL
LECTURES 16.20)
MONDAY, MAY
7, JOHN 15:26--16:4a
Easter Weekday
(Acts 16:11-15; Psalm 149)
KEY VERSE: "The hour is coming when everyone who kills you will think he is offering worship to God" (16:2).
TO KNOW: Jesus warned his followers that persecution and suffering awaited those who proclaimed the gospel. He told them that the "Advocate," the "Spirit of truth" (15:26), would bear witness to his words and strengthen them in the coming trials. An age of oppression and, at times, violent persecution of the Church existed from the time of Christ's death until the Edict of Tolerance was issued by the Roman Emperor Constantine (312 CE). The original Greek word martus meant giving one's testimony in court. As so many valiant Christians chose to die rather than renounce their commitment to Christ, the focus changed to mean the "martyrs" who died giving testimony to their faith.
TO LOVE: Do I testify to the truth at home and at work?
TO SERVE: Risen Lord, give the Church the courage to be true to your words despite obstacles and suffering
Easter Weekday
(Acts 16:11-15; Psalm 149)
 |
KEY VERSE: "The hour is coming when everyone who kills you will think he is offering worship to God" (16:2).
TO KNOW: Jesus warned his followers that persecution and suffering awaited those who proclaimed the gospel. He told them that the "Advocate," the "Spirit of truth" (15:26), would bear witness to his words and strengthen them in the coming trials. An age of oppression and, at times, violent persecution of the Church existed from the time of Christ's death until the Edict of Tolerance was issued by the Roman Emperor Constantine (312 CE). The original Greek word martus meant giving one's testimony in court. As so many valiant Christians chose to die rather than renounce their commitment to Christ, the focus changed to mean the "martyrs" who died giving testimony to their faith.
TO LOVE: Do I testify to the truth at home and at work?
TO SERVE: Risen Lord, give the Church the courage to be true to your words despite obstacles and suffering
Monday 7 May
2018
Acts 16:11-15. Psalm 149:1-6, 9. John 15:26 – 16:4.
The Lord takes delight in his people–Psalm 149:1-6, 9.
I have told you all this so that you may remember that I told
you.
Today we read of Jesus preparing his disciples for his imminent
departure. He wants to make sure his followers will not forget his promise. He
has already been preparing them for what may happen. Jesus is giving us that
same reminder, for he knows we too live in a hostile world and are sure to
encounter suffering.
When we experience difficulties, it is very easy to forget that
Jesus told us this would happen. Our world can be critical of those who
practise a religious faith, of people who are different, of people who speak a
different language, of people who have a disability.
Lord, when I am being jeered at or criticised, help me to
remember your promise that the Spirit of truth is with me.
Saint Rose Venerini
Saint of the Day for May 7
(February 9, 1656 – May 7, 1728)
Saint Rose Venerini’s Story
Rose was born at Viterbo in Italy, the daughter of a doctor.
Following the death of her fiancé she entered a convent, but soon returned home
to care for her newly widowed mother. Meanwhile, Rose invited the women of the
neighborhood to recite the rosary in her home, forming a sort of sodality with
them.
As she looked to her future under the spiritual guidance of a
Jesuit priest, Rose became convinced that she was called to become a teacher in
the world rather than a contemplative nun in a convent. Clearly, she made the
right choice: She was a born teacher, and the free school for girls she opened
in 1685 was well received.
Soon the cardinal invited her to oversee the training of
teachers and the administration of schools in his diocese of Montefiascone. As
Rose’s reputation grew, she was called upon to organize schools in many parts
of Italy, including Rome. Her disposition was right for the task as well, for
Rose often met considerable opposition but was never deterred.
She died in Rome in 1728, where a number of miracles were
attributed to her. She was beatified in 1952 and canonized in 2006. The
sodality, or group of women she had invited to prayer, was ultimately given the
rank of a religious congregation. Today, the so-called Venerini Sisters can be
found in the United States and elsewhere, working among Italian immigrants.
Reflection
Whatever state of life God calls us to, we bring with us an
assortment of experiences, interests and gifts—however small they seem to us.
Rose’s life stands as a reminder that all we are is meant to be put to service
wherever we find ourselves.
LECTIO DIVINA: JOHN 15:26 -
16:4A
Lectio Divina:
Monday, May 7, 2018
1) OPENING PRAYER
Lord our God,
if we really believe in You and in Your Son,
we cannot but be witnesses.
Send us Your Spirit of strength,
that we may give no flimsy excuses
for not standing up for You
and for the love and rights of our neighbor.
Make us only afraid
of betraying You and people
and of being afraid to bear witness.
We ask You this through Christ our Lord.
if we really believe in You and in Your Son,
we cannot but be witnesses.
Send us Your Spirit of strength,
that we may give no flimsy excuses
for not standing up for You
and for the love and rights of our neighbor.
Make us only afraid
of betraying You and people
and of being afraid to bear witness.
We ask You this through Christ our Lord.
2) GOSPEL READING - JOHN
15:26-16:4A
Jesus said to his disciples: "When
the Advocate comes whom I will send you from the Father, the Spirit of truth
who proceeds from the Father, He will testify to me. And you also testify,
because you have been with me from the beginning. "I have told you this so
that you may not fall away. They will expel you from the synagogues; in fact,
the hour is coming when everyone who kills you will think he is offering
worship to God. They will do this because they have not known either the Father
or me. I have told you this so that when their hour comes you may remember that
I told you."
3) REFLECTION
• In chapters 15 to 17 of the Gospel of
John, the horizon extends beyond the historical moment of the Last Supper.
Jesus prays to the Father, “I pray not only for these but also for those who
through their teaching will come to believe in Me” (Jn 17:20). In these
chapters, there is constant reference to the action of the Spirit in the life
of the communities after Easter.
• John 16:26-27: The action of the Holy
Spirit in the life of the community. The first thing that the Spirit does is to
give witness to Jesus: “He will be My witness.” The Spirit is not a spiritual
being without a definition. No! He is the Spirit of Truth who comes from the
Father, will be sent by Jesus Himself, and introduces us to the complete truth
(Jn 16:13). The complete truth is Jesus Himself: “I am the Way, the Truth and
the Life!” (Jn 14:6). At the end of the first century, there were some
Christians who were so fascinated by the action of the Spirit that they no
longer looked at Jesus. They affirmed that now, after the Resurrection, it was
no longer necessary to look at Jesus of Nazareth, the one “who comes in the
flesh.” They withdrew from Jesus and remained only with the Spirit. They said,
“Jesus is anathema!” (1 Cor 12:3). The Gospel of John takes a stand and does
not permit the action of the Spirit to be separated from the memory of Jesus of
Nazareth. The Holy Spirit cannot be isolated with an independent greatness,
separated from the mystery of the Incarnation. The Holy Spirit is inseparably
united to the Father and to Jesus. He is the Spirit of Jesus that the Father
sends to us, that same Spirit that Jesus has gained with His death and
Resurrection. And we, receiving this Spirit in Baptism, should be the
prolongation of Jesus: “And you too will be witnesses!” We can never forget
that precisely on the eve of His death Jesus promises the Spirit, in the moment
when He gave Himself for His brothers. Today, the Charismatic Movement insists
on the action of the Spirit and does much good, but it should always insist on
more. It should also insist on affirming that it is the Spirit of Jesus of
Nazareth, who out of love for the poor and the marginalized was persecuted,
arrested and condemned to death. Precisely because of this, He has promised us
His Spirit in such a way that we, after His death, continue His action and are
for humanity the revelation of the preferential love of the Father for the poor
and the oppressed.
• John 16:1-2: Do not be afraid. The
Gospel tells us that to be faithful to Jesus will lead us to difficulties. The
disciples will be excluded from the Synagogue. They will be condemned to death.
The same thing that happened to Jesus will happen to them. This is why at the
end of the first century, there were people who, in order to avoid persecution,
diluted or watered down the message of Jesus transforming it into a Gnostic
message: vague, without any definition, and which did not contradict the
ideology of the Empire. To them is applied what Paul said: “They are afraid of
the cross of Christ” (Gal 6:12). John himself, in his letter, will say
concerning them, “There are many deceivers at large in the world, refusing to
acknowledge Jesus Christ as coming in human nature (He became man). They are
the Deceiver; they are the Antichrist!” (2 Jn 1:7). Thomas’ demand: “Unless I
can see the holes that the nails made in His hands and can put my finger into
the holes they made, and unless I can put my hand into His side, I refuse to
believe.” (Jn 20:25) is another variant. The Risen Christ who promises to give
us the gift of the Spirit is Jesus of Nazareth who continues to have, even now,
the signs of torture and of the cross on His risen Body.
• John 16:3-4: They do not know what
they do. They do all these things “because they have never known either the
Father or Me.” These people do not have a correct image of God. They have a
vague image of God, in the heart and in the head. Their God is not the Father
of Jesus Christ who gathers us all together in unity and fraternity. For
this reason Jesus was impelled to say, “Father, forgive them, because they know
not what they do.” (Lk 23:34). Jesus was condemned by the religious authority
because, according to their idea, He had a false image of God. In the words of
Jesus there is no hatred or vengeance, but only compassion: they are ignorant
brothers who know nothing of our Father. This is another “Way” He teaches, as
we talked about before, which guides us especially in dealing with those of
other religions or those Christian denominations that have watered down His
word in order to not be inconvenienced in our society.
4) PERSONAL QUESTIONS
• The mystery of the Trinity is present
in the affirmation of Jesus, not as a theoretical truth, but as an expression of
the Christian with the mission of Christ. How do I describe my relationship to
each of the three persons of the Trinity?
• How do I live the action of the Spirit
in my life in a visible way?
• “They have not known either the Father
or Me” applies to one who believes wrongly, believes a false god, or one who is
ignorant of God entirely or refuses to believe at all. This passage still
applies to Christians in the Middle East just as it did then. It also applies
to our experiences within secular society. What are all the ways we experience
this lack of knowledge of the Father and the Son in our life today and how can
we respond?
5) CONCLUDING PRAYER
Sing a new song to Yahweh:
His praise in the assembly of the faithful!
Israel shall rejoice in its Maker,
the children of Zion delight in their king. (Ps 149:1-2)
His praise in the assembly of the faithful!
Israel shall rejoice in its Maker,
the children of Zion delight in their king. (Ps 149:1-2)
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