Fifth Week of Easter
09th May 2023 (Tuesday) Readings and Reflection
Reading of the Day
First Reading: ACTS 14. 19-28
19 But Jews came from Antioch and Iconium, and having persuaded the crowds, they stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, supposing that he was dead. 20 But when the disciples gathered about him, he rose up and entered the city, and on the next day he went on with Barnabas to Derbe. 21 When they had preached the gospel to that city and had made many disciples, they returned to Lystra and to Iconium and to Antioch, 22 strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying that through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God. 23 And when they had appointed elders for them in every church, with prayer and fasting they committed them to the Lord in whom they had believed. 24 Then they passed through Pisidia and came to Pamphylia. 25 And when they had spoken the word in Perga, they went down to Attalia, 26 and from there they sailed to Antioch, where they had been commended to the grace of God for the work that they had fulfilled. 27 And when they arrived and gathered the church together, they declared all that God had done with them, and how he had opened a door of faith to the Gentiles. 28 And they remained no little time with the disciples.
Psalm 145:10-11, 12-13ab, 21
R/. Your friends make known, O Lard, the glory of your reign Or: Alleluia.
Gospel : JOHN 14. 27-31
27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. 28 You heard me say to you, ‘I am going away, and I will come to you.’ If you loved me, you would have rejoiced, because I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I. 29 And now I have told you before it takes place, so that when it does take place you may believe. 30 I will no longer talk much with you, for the ruler of this world is coming. He has no claim on me, 31 but I do as the Father has commanded me, so that the world may know that I love the Father.
Daily Gospel Reflection
The Reflection by Fr. Thumma Mariadas Reddy MSFS{alertWarning}
Main Theme: A Peace that is different!
Indicative: Those who believe in the Lord and follow his way, will have to face many troubles. But they need not lose heart or courage because the Lord will be with them forever{alertSuccess}
1. Jesus warns plainly of adversities and afflictions in following him. At the same time he also exhorts them to be at peace. This looks strange. But this not improper if we see from the perspective of faith. Some good lessons can be drawn.
2. One is, the very concept of peace. True peace is not absence of suffering. For the world, to be happy and be at peace means to have any problem. That is why many try to avoid anything unpleasant and unfavourable.
3. But a true follower of Christ will and must face suffering. In the face of such suffering. They need not get troubled or frightened. The reason is the Lord is with them. The evil may appear to be overruling. But the fact is that the evil has no power over the Lord.
4. The Lord has conquered the world and evil. Physically and tangibly, the Lord is not with us. But he is with us with his risen Spirit. He goes to the Father who is ever-loving and concerned for us. He will send us His Spirit to be with us. Therefore, it is to our advantage.
5. So amid trials, we must rejoice and persevere. We must feel honoured and great because we are made worthy to share in his passion and mission. To suffer for the sake of faith is a way of witnessing and also a sure way of entering the kingdom. It is bearing testimony to our love for God and fidelity to what he commands.
6. This is what we see in the case of the apostles. Paul was stoned and was thought to be dead. But he got up and continues his whirlwind tour of mission. They strengthened the spirits of the disciples and exhorted them to persevere in their faith.
7. They appointed presbyters in each church. And with prayer and fasting they commended those leaders to the Lord. They continued to animate, motivate and rejuvenate their spirits.
Imperative: When there is love, there is courage and perseverance, joy and passion. Let us suffer joyfully because it is the most fitting way of bearing testimony to the Lord{alertSuccess}