Yesterday we celebrated the Ascension of our Lord. For the last week, we have heard messages of the coming of the Holy Spirit, encouragement of acceptance, hope, the prophecy of hardship, and the promise that hardship shall not have victory. Peace in Christ Today’s Gospel reading, yet again, reminds us…
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Many countries, including the Vatican City, celebrated the Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord last Thursday. Other countries, due to pastoral reasons or convenience, are celebrating the Solemnity of Ascension today, which is supposed to be the Seventh Sunday of Easter, of course, approved by the church’s liturgical calendar.…
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As we approach the conclusion of the Easter season, the daily scriptures during this time shift our focus from the initial awe of the Resurrection to the practical realities of building a living Church Community. Today’s First Reading from the Acts of the Apostles (Acts 18:23-28) offers us a beautiful…
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In today’s Gospel, Jesus does not simply say that sorrow will be replaced by joy, but that sorrow will turn into joy (John 16: 20). He uses the raw image of childbirth. The very source of the mother’s intense pain becomes the direct mechanism that ushers in her ultimate happiness.…
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Matthias’ Example of Humility and Trust. Saint Matthias, the Apostle chosen to replace Judas Iscariot among the Twelve Apostles, stands as an example of faith, obedience, and readiness to serve. His story, though brief in the New Testament, carries significant lessons for believers. One notable aspect of Saint Matthias’ life…
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In today’s first reading, we reflect on one of Paul’s most famous missionary journey experiences. Before arriving in Athens, Paul had been in Berea, where the Jews welcomed him into the city. Acts 17: 11 says that the “Bereans examined the Scripture every day to see if what Paul said…
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Jesus speaking in His “Farewell Discourse” at the Last Supper tells the disciples that they will weep and mourn while the world rejoices, but that their grief will turn to joy. Context Matters Jesus has much to say on the evening before the Crucifixion. Our Lord washes the Apostles’ feet,…
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“They will expel you from the synagogues; in fact, the hour is coming when everyone who kills you will think he is offering worship to God”. The above statement, taken from the Gospel of John (16:2), confronts us with one of the most painful and paradoxical contradictions of faith experience:…
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In his priestly discourse during the Last Supper, Jesus intertwines the imminence of his death with the promise of the Holy Spirit. “I shall not leave you orphans,” he attests. Jesus speaks of the “comforter” who will come to dwell in the disciples forever. This, the “Spirit of truth,” will…
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Jesus says to his disciples in today’s Gospel (John 15, 12-17): “This is my commandment: love one another as I love you.” Having shared his life with his disciples, love emerges as a summary of all He did in their midst and all his teaching. If we recall the events…
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