May 6, 2024 - Mon. of 6th Week of Easter
May you continue to give witness to the GOoD News in how you act and what you do!
In two different Bible Study groups, I heard the call by participants to become more active in our standing up for our beliefs as disciples of the Lord Jesus. It seems that more and more people are buying into the bad news of the world, such as the negative effects of the illnesses or social and political unrest and wars in Eastern Europe and the Middle East, and terrorist killings in the US, instead of focusing on the GOoD work being done by many, including doctors, nurses, medical attendants, first responders, teachers, operators of essential stores, and people seeking true social justice, etc. Recently I saw a group of six strangers pulling a driver out of a car on fire. Some people wrongly make their number one priority the gaining of possessions, the production of a reputation that will make other people value them, and the beautification of their false selves. Yet at the same time, Gospel values of the sacredness of life, the need to love others unselfishly, and deepening of one’s relationship with GOD and others seems to be going by the wayside. We, as followers of Jesus, must be willing to proclaim the GOoD News by our very actions and, if necessary, by the words we speak. It may seem like an impossible task, and in and of itself, it is. We do have, however, the power and guidance of the Holy Spirit. Let us continue to pray for a greater awareness of the Spirit’s action in our lives.
May you continue to give witness to the GOoD News in how you act and what you do!
In two different Bible Study groups, I heard the call by participants to become more active in our standing up for our beliefs as disciples of the Lord Jesus. It seems that more and more people are buying into the bad news of the world, such as the negative effects of the illnesses or social and political unrest and wars in Eastern Europe and the Middle East, and terrorist killings in the US, instead of focusing on the GOoD work being done by many, including doctors, nurses, medical attendants, first responders, teachers, operators of essential stores, and people seeking true social justice, etc. Recently I saw a group of six strangers pulling a driver out of a car on fire. Some people wrongly make their number one priority the gaining of possessions, the production of a reputation that will make other people value them, and the beautification of their false selves. Yet at the same time, Gospel values of the sacredness of life, the need to love others unselfishly, and deepening of one’s relationship with GOD and others seems to be going by the wayside. We, as followers of Jesus, must be willing to proclaim the GOoD News by our very actions and, if necessary, by the words we speak. It may seem like an impossible task, and in and of itself, it is. We do have, however, the power and guidance of the Holy Spirit. Let us continue to pray for a greater awareness of the Spirit’s action in our lives.
Readings can be obtained from: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/050624.cfm
Saints Marian and James: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saints-marian-and-james
Readings: Acts 16: 11-15; Psalm 149: 1b-2, 3-4, 5-6a and 9b; John 15: 26 – 16: 4a
Our readings portray two contrasting images (both true) of what the early Church experienced. The reading from Acts gives us a glimpse of the positive spread of the Church in Macedonia. St. Paul arrives in Neapolis (a city near Thessalonika/modern Thessaloniki) and travels on to Philippi. The Gospel warns the disciples that they will face persecution as they are called to give witness μαρτυρειτε – martyreite) and testify concerning Jesus and His mission.
In the First Reading, the preaching of St. Paul takes effect in what is part of modern Europe. After arriving in Neapolis (near modern Kavala, Greece), Paul travels on to Philippi, where he converts the first “European Christian.” This is Lydia, who becomes a supporter of the missionary efforts of Paul and his traveling companions. The community of faith continues to expand as the Gospel (GOoD News) is preached.
The psalm is a hymn of praise sung by GOD’s people as they experience GOD’s blessings in their lives. Praise is the appropriate response to GOD’s working in people’s lives. Praising in the midst of the assembled crowd is even more powerful, for that gives witness to GOD’s might deeds.
Jesus, as He continues His Last Supper Discourse in today’s Gospel, gives both a promise and a warning. He promises to send the Holy Spirit as the Paraclete (or Advocate or Helper). The role of the Paraclete is to defend and protect, support and give testimony (witness) on behalf of Jesus, and later for His disciples. Jesus also warns His disciples that they will have to give testimony (witness - martyreite). Part of this giving witness will include being a martyr with their lives. Their lives will give witness not just in what they say, or how they act, but also in the persecution and even death they may experience because of their willingness to proclaim their relationship to Jesus and their commitment to His mission.
In some ways, things are much different today than in the early years of Christianity. We may not see the rapid growth of faith that St. Paul and his companions experienced. As Americans, we also may not experience the same type of persecution that Jesus warns His disciples they would have. We live in a country (the United States) where religion is seen as part of life, part of our freedom as Americans. We may be aware that there are many Christians who are being martyrs by dying for their belief in Jesus, as groups, like ISIS and Hamas, move into certain areas of the Middle East. There were also reports that the Russian soldiers targeted some Christians during the Ukrainian War. In America, some Christian and Christian churches are facing challenging times, as we live in a culture which goes against the values proclaimed by the Gospel. There have been contentions (both legally and personally) between Christians upholding the Right to Life vs. others who push for the right for a woman to choose an abortion (Pro Choice). A couple of years ago, a California bill passed the Assembly (CA AB 2943). Some believe that if the bill were to become law, it could result in legal issues for preachers who discuss sexuality. Passage would lead to more harassment and possible legal challenges against preaching, literature, conferences and organizations that address sexual morality, and even make it possible to prevent the sale of Bibles. Another bill would force priests to share what they hear in the Sacrament of Reconciliation, that is totally against the Catholic Church’s rule about the seal of confession, which forbids priest from revealing what was confessed to them in the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
We are being called to be witnesses of the faith. The way we give witness may not be in the exact same way as Paul or the other early disciples did. We have to give witness by standing up for our beliefs and manifesting our way of life in a world that tolerates us and yet portrays values contradictory to a true Christian way of life. That is a challenge for us. It implies that we have to set ourselves distinctively apart from the ways of the commercialized, self-centered world, and we must do it in a manner that invites others to accept the GOoD News. Our lives must be a joyful witness in a way that entices people to want to have a relationship with the Lord Jesus.
Although our approach to witnessing (being martyrs to) the faith may be different than that of the first believers in Jesus or even those in the Middle East and other parts of the world today, one aspect that is not different is Who is our Supporter and Helper (the Advocate or Paraclete). The same Holy Spirit is willing and ready to guide us in our giving witness as much as the Spirit did for Paul, Peter, and the rest of the first GOoD News proclaimers. We just need to frequently (daily, hourly) call upon the Holy Spirit to be with us, to strengthen us, to guide us in our witnessing to the faith. The Holy Spirit will show us how we can live in a way that truly proclaims the GOoD News of Jesus to the modern world.
In this time of a world health crisis, climate concerns, world tensions between nations, the Holy Spirit can show us ways we can reach out to others and help them as they deal with the repercussion from these worldly issues. We might be led to send message and encouraging true news items. We can tell others that we are praying for them and their loved ones. We can support first responders, medical personnel, and essential workers, politicians working for true Christian values, scientists seeking ways to deal with the climate, and worldly political concerns. We can ask the Holy Spirit to empower us to care in a positive way for others and we can focus on GOoD News instead of all the negative news of the last few years.
The Spirit may move us to be more understanding and loving to members of our family, especially with those with whom we may be having problems communicating. The Advocate may give us the fortitude to deal honestly and lovingly with the people with whom we come in contact in our work environment. The Paraclete will give us the wherewithal to treat others in a way that shows we are in relationship with a GOD Who is Love. The Spirit of the Risen Lord will be with us, so that our lives give witness to the GOoD News in face of the bad news that is being proclaimed by the world around us. We may be guided by the Spirit to reach out to the less fortunate both whom we encounter directly and those living across the globe. We can make a difference in people’s lives in ways similar to the ways the early Christians did in their time.
Being witnesses (martyroi) requires that we become as committed to Jesus and His mission and to the guidance of the Holy Spirit as the first witnesses of the faith were committed to Gospel and the modern martyrs in some of Middle Eastern countries and into what is modern Europe. That takes time in prayer and reflection on the Word of GOD. It means we have to see how we can “proclaim the GOoD News at all times, and if necessary, using words” (paraphrase of St. Francis of Assisi’s words). Yet, if we are willing to make the decision to be His disciples and follow Jesus completely in our lives, then we will have the gift of the Holy Spirit. We will then be able to echo the words of today’s psalm and say, “Let the high praises of GOD be in [our] throats. This is the glory of all GOD’s faithful ones. Alleluia.”
Blessed are You, LORD GOD, ever present with us. Through Your GOoDness, You call us to give witness to the GOoD News Your Son has brought into the world and shared with us – that You love us and want to have a relationship with us. We have sometimes failed to be witnesses to (martyrs for) this message because we have feared the reaction of others, or we have not been totally committed to spreading the Gospel – GOoD News. For this, we ask Your pardon and forgiveness. We ask that You continue to pour into our lives Your Holy Spirit, the Advocate and Paraclete, Who gifts us with strength, wisdom, and power, so that we can proclaim our relationship with You, in and through Your Son, Jesus. Through the continued presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives, help us to spend the time we need listening to, and putting into action, the teachings of Jesus. Make our lives – the way we treat others – true testimonies of the Gospel. And may we always give You the glory and praise for what You have done, are doing, and will continue to do until we are one with You, Your Son, and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen. Alleluia!
Song of the Day: I Will Stand as a Witness of Christ: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z4BNv-Ca3wA
Silent Witness: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vCKVztxhIeg
Video of the Day: Saint of the Day. May 6. Sts. Marian and James:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7LUZQTVR3iY
© rjk, 12-05-22
Saints Marian and James: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saints-marian-and-james
Readings: Acts 16: 11-15; Psalm 149: 1b-2, 3-4, 5-6a and 9b; John 15: 26 – 16: 4a
Our readings portray two contrasting images (both true) of what the early Church experienced. The reading from Acts gives us a glimpse of the positive spread of the Church in Macedonia. St. Paul arrives in Neapolis (a city near Thessalonika/modern Thessaloniki) and travels on to Philippi. The Gospel warns the disciples that they will face persecution as they are called to give witness μαρτυρειτε – martyreite) and testify concerning Jesus and His mission.
In the First Reading, the preaching of St. Paul takes effect in what is part of modern Europe. After arriving in Neapolis (near modern Kavala, Greece), Paul travels on to Philippi, where he converts the first “European Christian.” This is Lydia, who becomes a supporter of the missionary efforts of Paul and his traveling companions. The community of faith continues to expand as the Gospel (GOoD News) is preached.
The psalm is a hymn of praise sung by GOD’s people as they experience GOD’s blessings in their lives. Praise is the appropriate response to GOD’s working in people’s lives. Praising in the midst of the assembled crowd is even more powerful, for that gives witness to GOD’s might deeds.
Jesus, as He continues His Last Supper Discourse in today’s Gospel, gives both a promise and a warning. He promises to send the Holy Spirit as the Paraclete (or Advocate or Helper). The role of the Paraclete is to defend and protect, support and give testimony (witness) on behalf of Jesus, and later for His disciples. Jesus also warns His disciples that they will have to give testimony (witness - martyreite). Part of this giving witness will include being a martyr with their lives. Their lives will give witness not just in what they say, or how they act, but also in the persecution and even death they may experience because of their willingness to proclaim their relationship to Jesus and their commitment to His mission.
In some ways, things are much different today than in the early years of Christianity. We may not see the rapid growth of faith that St. Paul and his companions experienced. As Americans, we also may not experience the same type of persecution that Jesus warns His disciples they would have. We live in a country (the United States) where religion is seen as part of life, part of our freedom as Americans. We may be aware that there are many Christians who are being martyrs by dying for their belief in Jesus, as groups, like ISIS and Hamas, move into certain areas of the Middle East. There were also reports that the Russian soldiers targeted some Christians during the Ukrainian War. In America, some Christian and Christian churches are facing challenging times, as we live in a culture which goes against the values proclaimed by the Gospel. There have been contentions (both legally and personally) between Christians upholding the Right to Life vs. others who push for the right for a woman to choose an abortion (Pro Choice). A couple of years ago, a California bill passed the Assembly (CA AB 2943). Some believe that if the bill were to become law, it could result in legal issues for preachers who discuss sexuality. Passage would lead to more harassment and possible legal challenges against preaching, literature, conferences and organizations that address sexual morality, and even make it possible to prevent the sale of Bibles. Another bill would force priests to share what they hear in the Sacrament of Reconciliation, that is totally against the Catholic Church’s rule about the seal of confession, which forbids priest from revealing what was confessed to them in the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
We are being called to be witnesses of the faith. The way we give witness may not be in the exact same way as Paul or the other early disciples did. We have to give witness by standing up for our beliefs and manifesting our way of life in a world that tolerates us and yet portrays values contradictory to a true Christian way of life. That is a challenge for us. It implies that we have to set ourselves distinctively apart from the ways of the commercialized, self-centered world, and we must do it in a manner that invites others to accept the GOoD News. Our lives must be a joyful witness in a way that entices people to want to have a relationship with the Lord Jesus.
Although our approach to witnessing (being martyrs to) the faith may be different than that of the first believers in Jesus or even those in the Middle East and other parts of the world today, one aspect that is not different is Who is our Supporter and Helper (the Advocate or Paraclete). The same Holy Spirit is willing and ready to guide us in our giving witness as much as the Spirit did for Paul, Peter, and the rest of the first GOoD News proclaimers. We just need to frequently (daily, hourly) call upon the Holy Spirit to be with us, to strengthen us, to guide us in our witnessing to the faith. The Holy Spirit will show us how we can live in a way that truly proclaims the GOoD News of Jesus to the modern world.
In this time of a world health crisis, climate concerns, world tensions between nations, the Holy Spirit can show us ways we can reach out to others and help them as they deal with the repercussion from these worldly issues. We might be led to send message and encouraging true news items. We can tell others that we are praying for them and their loved ones. We can support first responders, medical personnel, and essential workers, politicians working for true Christian values, scientists seeking ways to deal with the climate, and worldly political concerns. We can ask the Holy Spirit to empower us to care in a positive way for others and we can focus on GOoD News instead of all the negative news of the last few years.
The Spirit may move us to be more understanding and loving to members of our family, especially with those with whom we may be having problems communicating. The Advocate may give us the fortitude to deal honestly and lovingly with the people with whom we come in contact in our work environment. The Paraclete will give us the wherewithal to treat others in a way that shows we are in relationship with a GOD Who is Love. The Spirit of the Risen Lord will be with us, so that our lives give witness to the GOoD News in face of the bad news that is being proclaimed by the world around us. We may be guided by the Spirit to reach out to the less fortunate both whom we encounter directly and those living across the globe. We can make a difference in people’s lives in ways similar to the ways the early Christians did in their time.
Being witnesses (martyroi) requires that we become as committed to Jesus and His mission and to the guidance of the Holy Spirit as the first witnesses of the faith were committed to Gospel and the modern martyrs in some of Middle Eastern countries and into what is modern Europe. That takes time in prayer and reflection on the Word of GOD. It means we have to see how we can “proclaim the GOoD News at all times, and if necessary, using words” (paraphrase of St. Francis of Assisi’s words). Yet, if we are willing to make the decision to be His disciples and follow Jesus completely in our lives, then we will have the gift of the Holy Spirit. We will then be able to echo the words of today’s psalm and say, “Let the high praises of GOD be in [our] throats. This is the glory of all GOD’s faithful ones. Alleluia.”
- The personal question/action for today: To whom am I being called to witness my faith in the Lord Jesus? In what particular area in my life do I need the help of the Paraclete (Holy Spirit) so that I can be a better witness? Is there some area in my life that needs to be brought more in line with Gospel values? How can I reassure others of the Holy Spirit acting in their lives as the Helper, Advocate, and Intercessor?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD, ever present with us. Through Your GOoDness, You call us to give witness to the GOoD News Your Son has brought into the world and shared with us – that You love us and want to have a relationship with us. We have sometimes failed to be witnesses to (martyrs for) this message because we have feared the reaction of others, or we have not been totally committed to spreading the Gospel – GOoD News. For this, we ask Your pardon and forgiveness. We ask that You continue to pour into our lives Your Holy Spirit, the Advocate and Paraclete, Who gifts us with strength, wisdom, and power, so that we can proclaim our relationship with You, in and through Your Son, Jesus. Through the continued presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives, help us to spend the time we need listening to, and putting into action, the teachings of Jesus. Make our lives – the way we treat others – true testimonies of the Gospel. And may we always give You the glory and praise for what You have done, are doing, and will continue to do until we are one with You, Your Son, and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen. Alleluia!
Song of the Day: I Will Stand as a Witness of Christ: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z4BNv-Ca3wA
Silent Witness: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vCKVztxhIeg
Video of the Day: Saint of the Day. May 6. Sts. Marian and James:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7LUZQTVR3iY
© rjk, 12-05-22