What are you looking to do?

Greetings on this the Monday of the Sixth Week of Easter
Readings: Acts 16:11-15; PS 149:1b-2, 3-4, 5-6a and 9b; Jn 15:26—16:4a

First Reading
In our first reading a most tender and beautiful story of faith.

On the sabbath we went outside the city gate along the river
where we thought there would be a place of prayer.
We sat and spoke with the women who had gathered there.

How wonderful a purpose.
How wonderful a journey.
To find people trying to find the divine and to testify to the person of Jesus.

A woman named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth, a worshiper of God, listened, she and her household had been baptized, …

she offered us an invitation,
“If you consider me a believer in the Lord,
come and stay at my home,” and she prevailed on us.

Finding people where they are, how they are, and the deepest desires of their soul.

• Peace.
• Faith.
• Unity.

Responsorial Psalm
The Lord takes delight in his people.

Gospel Portion
Jesus said to his disciples:
“When the Advocate comes whom I will send you from the Father,
the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father,
he will testify to me.

It is critical that we understand the Holy Spirit has come to help us with the Truth.
Because we are to be focused on peace, faith and unity.

Yet…

In fact, the hour is coming when everyone who kills you
will think he is offering worship to God.

I cannot stress enough this is NOT a reference to other faiths that have been militarized.
This is a reference to the true faith that has been militarized.

Said another way, people do great harm in the name of Jesus.
They will do this because they have not known either the Father or me.

Do you use your tradition for:

• Peace.
• Faith.
• Unity.

Or

to kill thinking you are offering worship to God?

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry