Daily Reflection – Apr 30, 2016
Saturday 30 April 2016
First Reading: Acts 16:1-10
Responsorial Psalm:
Let all the earth cry out to God with joy
Psalm 100:1b-2, 3, 5
Gospel Reading: John 15:18-21
Today’s Note: Saturday of the Fifth Week of Easter
Gospel Reading:
Jesus said to his disciples:
“If the world hates you, realize that it hated me first.
If you belonged to the world, the world would love its own;
but because you do not belong to the world,
and I have chosen you out of the world,
the world hates you.
Remember the word I spoke to you,
‘No slave is greater than his master.’
If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you.
If they kept my word, they will also keep yours.
And they will do all these things to you on account of my name,
because they do not know the one who sent me.”
Reflection:
When Paul and Barnabas separate, Silas accompanies Paul, adding Timothy to their community as they travel through various towns of the ancient world. They are always discerning their next move, listening and open to the Spirit’s guidance. The Spirit told them where not to speak the Word, and then in a vision, a “man” asks the group to come to Macedonia with the Word. As the Word of God travels across the countries, “all the earth is crying out to God with joy.” For all the joy and success of the first missions, Jesus warns in today’s gospel that the missionaries will be hated and persecuted.
“Discernment” is a theological term that simply means being open to and taking the movements of the spirits seriously. It is a gift of the Spirit who teaches us and guides the mission of Jesus carried out through the centuries by believers. It includes consultation with those who know both us and God, and freedom and willingness to obey God’s will for peace.
“My plans for you are plans of peace, not disaster” (Jeremiah 29:11).
Holy Spirit, come with your gifts and fruits to open our hearts and shape them into Jesus’ own heart. May he live, work, love, play and rest in us and through us. Make us alert to your desires.
