The Catholic Calendar for Monday, May 10, 2004
Monday of the Fifth Week of Easter
Blessed Damian Joseph of Moloka'i

Scripture from Monday's Liturgy of the Word:
Acts 14:5-18
Psalm 115:1-4,15-16
John 14:21-26

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

During this Easter time we have the opportunity to see how the disciples must have felt in the days following our Lord’s crucifixion. For a period of two years, or so, they followed Him everywhere, were taught by Him and probably received most everything they had through Him. Suddenly, He was gone - crucified and put in a tomb. Then, when they went to minister to the body even it was gone! To say they were afraid is probably a great understatement.

Jesus knew this would happen and He attempted to prepare them as we hear in today’s gospel: “The Advocate, the holy Spirit that the Father will send in my name--he will teach you everything and remind you of all that (I) told you.” So it was, that on the day of Pentecost this promise was fulfilled at the outpouring of the Holy Spirit which ministered to the faithful and nursed the infant church to maturity.

We too, can relate to the fear the disciples had when we feel alone, abandoned and without hope. But we do not have to await Pentecost for help. The Holy Spirit is with us always. Jesus paid the price for us, opening up a direct connection with the Father, and as a gift He gave us His Holy Spirit so we shall never be alone.

Alleluia!

- Don Claunch, sfo

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posted by joachim at 4:14 AM