6TH WEEK OF EASTER
Psalter: Week 2 / (White)
Ps 47:2-3, 4-5, 6-7
God is king of all the earth.
1st Reading: Acts 18:9-18
One night, in a vision, the Lord said to Paul, “Do not be afraid, but continue speaking and do not be silent, for many people in this city are mine. I am with you, so no one will harm you.” So Paul stayed a year and a half in that place, teaching the word of God among them.
When Gallio was governor of Achaia, the Jews made a united attack on Paul and brought him before the court. And they accused him, “This man tries to persuade us to worship God in ways that are against the law.”
Paul was about to speak in his own defense when Gallio said to the Jews, “If it were a matter of a misdeed or vicious crime, I would have to consider your complaint. But since this is a quarrel about teachings and divine names that are proper to your own law, see to it yourselves: I refuse to judge such matters.” And he sent them out of the court.
Then the people seized Sosthenes, a leading man of the synagogue, and beat him in front of the tribunal; but Gallio paid no attention to it.
Paul stayed on with the disciples in Corinth for many days; he then left them and sailed off with Priscilla and Aquila for Syria. And as he was no longer under a vow he had taken, he shaved his head before sailing from Cenchreae.
Gospel: Jn 16:20-23a
Truly, I say to you, you will weep and mourn while the world rejoices. You will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will turn to joy. A woman in childbirth is in distress because her time is at hand. But after the child is born, she no longer remembers her suffering because of her great joy: a human being is born into the world.
You feel sorrowful now, but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice; and no one will take your joy from you. When that day comes you will not ask me anything.
Reflections
Do not be afraid,
but continue speaking
and do not be silent
Paul experienced much persecution as he proclaimed the Gospel of Jesus. Though imprisoned several times, he never gave up. Throughout his missionary journeys the Lord promised him, “Do not be afraid… I am with you.”
Many times we complain to the Lord, “Lord, after all I have done for you, why do you allow me and my loved ones to suffer?” However, discipleship to Jesus does not exempt us from suffering. In fact Jesus forewarned his disciples of their unavoidable persecution. Jesus does not promise to spare us from pain; he promises to be with us in our suffering.
Daily Reflection 2018
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Biblical Texts are taken from Christian Community Bible, Catholic Pastoral Edition (57th Edition) The New English Translation for the ROMAN MISSAL
With permission from the EPISCOPAL COMMISION ON LITURGY of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines
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