Sixth Week of Easter
15th May 2023 (Monday) Readings and Reflection
Reading of the Day
First Reading: Acts 16:11-15
11 So, setting sail from Troas, we made a direct voyage to Samothrace, and the following day to Neapolis, 12 and from there to Philippi, which is a leading city of the district of Macedonia and a Roman colony. We remained in this city some days. 13 And on the Sabbath day we went outside the gate to the riverside, where we supposed there was a place of prayer, and we sat down and spoke to the women who had come together. 14 One who heard us was a woman named Lydia, from the city of Thyatira, a seller of purple goods, who was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to pay attention to what was said by Paul. 15 And after she was baptized, and her household as well, she urged us, saying, “If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come to my house and stay.” And she prevailed upon us.
Psalm 149:1b-2, 3-4, 5-6a and 9b
R/. The Lord takes delight in his people Or: Alleluia.
Gospel : John 15:26—16:4a
26 “But when the Helper comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth, who proceeds from the Father, he will bear witness about me. 27 And you also will bear witness, because you have been with me from the beginning. 16 “I have said all these things to you to keep you from falling away. 2 They will put you out of the synagogues. Indeed, the hour is coming when whoever kills you will think he is offering service to God. 3 And they will do these things because they have not known the Father, nor me. 4 But I have said these things to you, that when their hour comes you may remember that I told them to you.
Daily Gospel Reflection
The Reflection by Fr. Thumma Mariadas Reddy MSFS{alertWarning}
Main Theme: God opens heart!
Indicative: At times we may feel our mission is very difficult and burdensome. But we must always remember that ultimately it is the Lord’s mission and we need only to cooperate{alertSuccess}
1. God sent His only Son Jesus as the Christ, the Saviour. And when he completes his earthly mission as a human being and returns to the Father. God will send the Holy Spirit to continue the same mission that Christ has set in motion.
2. This is the mission of testimony. The essential function of the Holy Spirit is to testify to the Son. The same mission of testifying to the Lord is entrusted to the disciples. This mission will be continued and accomplished for sure.
3. It is because there is devotion and prayerfulness as in the case of Lydia in the first reading. When there is devotion and prayerfulness, God opens the heart and this leads to pay attention to God’s word and voice.
4. This leads to baptism which is an external sign of faith in the Lord. This will create a further openness to be cordial and hospitable. It is not only accommodation. It is much more than that. It is being receptive and accommodative. It is giving space to others, sharing faith and growing together.
5. This testimony in the case of the apostles is made possible because of two reasons: The Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Truth will accompany and assist them, sustaining them, emboldening them, enlightening and empowering them. Secondly, they have been with the Lord from the beginning.
6. This mission is challenging and frightening. They will be expelled, persecuted and even killed. What is strange is all this will be done under a religious pretext of worship of God and fidelity to Him. It is all because they do know neither the Father nor the Son. In such a context, we are called not to fall away.
Imperative: When God is with us, there is no need of fear. He will always direct and strengthen us. So be firm!{alertSuccess}