Fifth Week of Easter
13th May 2023 (Saturday) Readings and Reflection
Reading of the Day
First Reading: ACTS 16. 1-10
Paul came also to Derbe and to Lystra. A disciple was there, named Timothy, the son of a Jewish woman who was a believer, but his father was a Greek. 2 He was well spoken of by the brothers at Lystra and Iconium. 3 Paul wanted Timothy to accompany him, and he took him and circumcised him because of the Jews who were in those places, for they all knew that his father was a Greek. 4 As they went on their way through the cities, they delivered to them for observance the decisions that had been reached by the apostles and elders who were in Jerusalem. 5 So the churches were strengthened in the faith, and they increased in numbers daily. 6 And they went through the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia. 7 And when they had come up to Mysia, they attempted to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them. 8 So, passing by Mysia, they went down to Troas. 9 And a vision appeared to Paul in the night: a man of Macedonia was standing there, urging him and saying, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” 10 And when Paul had seen the vision, immediately we sought to go on into Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them.
PSALM 100:1b-2, 3, 5
R/. Cry out with joy to the Lord all the earth Or: Alleluia.
Gospel : JOHN 15. 18-21
18 “If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. 19 If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. 20 Remember the word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours. 21 But all these things they will do to you on account of my name, because they do not know him who sent me.
Daily Gospel Reflection
The Reflection by Fr. Thumma Mariadas Reddy MSFS{alertWarning}
Main Theme: Like the Master!
Indicative: What makes difference between the followers of Christ and others is their belonging to him and love for him. This has radical implications{alertSuccess}
1. Once again the Word of God makes clear some of the essentials of our faith-life. One is about our identity: we are servants and disciples. No slave is greater than his master. Therefore this should keep us always humble.
2. Being a disciple also calls us to constantly check our life in reference to the Master’s life. We must resemble our master. We must live like him. This also implies that we must be prepared to suffer for God and persevere like the master.
3. We must be clear and convinced that we will meet the same fate of opposition and persecution, just like our master. Jesus says: If the world hates you, realize that it hated me first. If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you.
4. The reasons why the world hates are also crystal clear. It is because the disciples do not belong to the world, and because they are chosen out of the world. So whenever we face difficulties on account of faith, we need not lose heart or become panicky.
5. We must look at our suffering as a sign of not belonging to the world but belonging to the Lord. So our reaction and response in the face of adversities is firm trust in the Lord, surrender to God’s will and undaunted continued in the Lord’s mission.
6. What is strikingly evident in the mission of the apostles is this spirit. At every step and turn of life, they came across enormous challenges. But they always moved ahead, never slackening in zeal. They always remained tuned to the direction of the Holy Spirit, at times totally giving up their plans in preference to the Lord’s.
7. The memory of Our Lady of Fatima today confirms this message: Belong to God always. Be tuned to His will and ways. Be turned to him. Repent and relent from evil. Be committed to his mission, come what may.
Imperative: Every apparition of the Mother is not a matter of glorification of her. But it is a touching recall for living our identity in love, surrender and fervour{alertSuccess}