6 May 2024 - Only By Grace Reflections
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TOPIC: ARE YOU READY TO SHARE THE GOOD NEWS?
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First Reading: Acts 16: 11-15
Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 149: 1b-2, 3-4, 5-6a and 9b
Alleluia: John 15: 26b, 27a
Gospel: John 15: 26 – 16: 4
Today's Gospel in John 15:16 to 16:4 begins with Jesus continuing his conversation with his disciples. He tells them that he will send an "Advocate," the Holy Spirit, from his Father. He said that the "Advocate" would testify to him. In turn, the disciples will go forth and testify to others and the world. Jesus warns the disciples that they will be persecuted for their testimony. They might be expelled from the synagogues and even put to death! Can you imagine how the disciples reacted to Jesus' words? Were they frightened? Or did they feel empowered? Was their commitment and love for Jesus so deep and strong that they were determined to follow him even if they might be persecuted or possibly be put to death?
Those disciples are now saints because they were not scared and remained fully committed. As Jesus promised, the disciples would endure the challenges and persecutions they faced because of the Advocate. The Holy Spirit stood by them and guided them as they strived to follow in the footsteps of Jesus.
That same Advocate is also available to all of us. If we choose to follow in Jesus' footsteps, we may also have to deal with criticism, judgment, or perhaps even persecution.
This is the 1470th installment of our CFC contemplation series focusing on the daily liturgical readings.
[NOTE: As we continue to pray for Bro Bong Arjonillo’s healing and recovery, let us listen to our brother Eric Villanueva, Mission Head for CFC Europe and the Americas, as he brings us today's reflection.
All the regular reflections are between 3-7 minutes long, enough time for us to ponder what God's message is for
