The Catholic Calendar for Friday, May 26, 2006
Friday of the Sixth Week of Easter
St. Philip Neri, priest

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Acts 18:9-18
Psalm 47:2-7
John 16:20-23

A reflection on today's Scripture. . . .

"But I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice,
and no one will take your joy away...." (John 16:22)

The greatest Christian paradox, or seeming contradiction, is its teaching that death actually brings us new life. This does not refer only to the soul's survival after physical death as seen in Christ's assurance to the repentant criminal dying on the cross next to Him, "this day you will be with me in paradise." It refers also to the many "small" deaths, self-denials, that we suffer from living in this sinful world.

In "Acts" Paul is persecuted by Jews who hated him for preaching contrary to their beliefs and attracting many to Christianity. Although in this case, God allowed him to continue preaching in that same location for some time, we know that Paul had to die to self many other times by fleeing from those threatening his life, who beat, reviled and jailed him. Paul, along with other dedicated Christians gave up home, family, comfort, security and freedom for the sake of trying to save people from perishing in sin.

In life's journey we too will suffer, often from our own wrong words and actions. In addition we are hurt by those who claim being Christians or by unbelievers; such people simply have not taken time and effort to come to truly know our Lord in prayer. Man has yet to learn that not forgiving and retaliation only inspire more hatred and revenge. Day by day we are called to deny ourselves for spouse, children, friends or neighbors. We will have to endure frustration, privation, disappointment, illness, unkind words and misunderstanding. Yet, today's Gospel gives us hope, for Christ is ever with us and "our mourning will be turned to joy." If we keep in mind the many torments Christ had to endure for us, we can face our pain with patience and love, knowing that one day He will meet us and "dry our every tear."

Loving and ever-present Lord, we lift our hearts to You in thanksgiving. Give us a deeper knowledge of Your love and the grace we need to live in it. Amen.

- Marie Bocko, OCDS
(mlbocko at earthlink dot net)