Daily Reflection – May 29, 2017
Monday 29 May 2017
First Reading: Acts 19:1-8
Responsorial Psalm:
Sing to God, O kingdoms of the earth.
Psalm 68:2-3AB, 4-5ACD, 6-7AB
Gospel Reading: John 16:29-33
Today’s Note: Monday of the Seventh Week of Easter
Gospel Reading:
The disciples said to Jesus,
“Now you are talking plainly, and not in any figure of speech.
Now we realize that you know everything
and that you do not need to have anyone question you.
Because of this we believe that you came from God.”
Jesus answered them, “Do you believe now?
Behold, the hour is coming and has arrived
when each of you will be scattered to his own home
and you will leave me alone.
But I am not alone, because the Father is with me.
I have told you this so that you might have peace in me.
In the world you will have trouble,
but take courage, I have conquered the world.”
Reflection:
The Entrance Antiphon today contains one of the last promises of Jesus before the Ascension, the promise of the Holy Spirit coming upon the disciples and consequently upon the whole Church, and granting us the power and strength we need for the mission which Jesus entrusts to us: “You will be my witnesses to all the world.” Matthew’s Gospel formulates this mission in slight different terms; “Make disciples of all nations.” As expressed in this verse from Acts, Jesus’ words constitute both command and promise. He orders us to be witnesses to the whole world, and, at the same time, promises us that we shall indeed be such witnesses. Every command we receive from Jesus, by its very nature, is also a promise of the grace and strength necessary to obey the command, for without Jesus, without God’s grace, we can do nothing.
In the Opening Prayer, we repeat Jesus’ words and ask for the power of the Holy Spirit to keep us faithful and to do God’s will in our daily lives. Our prayer is a cogent reminder that we cannot be witnesses to Jesus and His Gospel, unless we are faithful and true companions of Jesus.
“Father, send the power of Your Holy Spirit upon us, that we may be faithful witnesses to the truth of Jesus.”
