We do not know what he means

Greetings on this the Thursday of the Sixth Week of Easter
Readings: Acts 18:1-8; PS 98:1, 2-3ab, 3cd-4; Jn 16:16-20
Note: Where the celebration of Ascension is transferred to the Seventh Sunday of Easter, the following readings are used on this Thursday.
Note 2: This reflection is written during unrest in the Gaza strip and now expanded. I do not have extensive knowledge on the current situation, although the newspapers are reporting the immediate situation on the ground. The news media is also providing context with the governmental, legal, and historical issues in dispute.

First Reading
The book of Acts chapter 18 chronicles the failures and successes of evangelization.
It did not go well with some in Corinth. It went well with others.

Where there was success and peace was when the gentiles were righteous.
Paul stepped away from those who opposed.

Perhaps we can take this thought away: Peaceful people, righteous people are able to listen to the Lord and have at least a basic understanding of the Lord’s will.

Where then are the righteous in Israel and Palestine today?
They should be leading, not the corrupt leaders in both governments.

Responsorial Psalm
Even as his new Jewish sect comes into being, we can see that:
The Lord has revealed to the nations his saving power.

• Saving: Because there is no greater good than to bring eternal life.
• Power: Because He protects and leads through the difficulty of the life.

Alleluia Verse
I will not leave you orphans, says the Lord;
I will come back to you, and your hearts will rejoice.

Do not be afraid. When the Lord seems absent, he is present in the mist.

Gospel portion
Amen, amen, I say to you,
you will weep and mourn, while the world rejoices;
you will grieve, but your grief will become joy.”

The Lord will ascend. The Lord will return.
He has given us the Advocate to help us navigate our difficulty and difference.

We do not know what he means in some things.
We do know what he means in others.

We should not pretend we have the reverse.
Some weeping and mourning will come, this is the life.
But when we deliberately bring conflict, there is disaster.

We know we are to be people of peace.

Stop pretending otherwise.

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry