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
Summary
How are you enjoying the continuous reading of the Book of the Acts of the Apostles and the continuous reading of the Gospel of John? The crucifixion is skipped as it is read extensively in the approach to Good Friday. Rather the tradition is to read the gospel with the knowledge of the Trinitarian reality in mind and heart – the relation of Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Traditionally this is Thursday Ascension of the Lord before the Solemnity of Pentecost.
We hold the Ascension in high regard as it is the final aspect of Jesus being Lifted Up and Exalted and being seated at the right hand of the Father.
Reflection
Today’s readings bring the reality of humans and the Christology of Jesus Christ together.
- We have a trade or a job. We must work.
- We help each other express in our own way the healing and saving power of God.
- We all have difficulties.
- We all grieve the lose of a loved one.
- Even in our grief we proclaim (a) Jesus does not abandon us, (b) we will see him / them again.
- We have relation with the fullness of God. Jesus opened the way to divinity entirely.
- We all die.
Personal Reflection
My reflection today is combining the phrases used in the responsorial and in the gospel acclamation:
- The Lord has revealed to the nations his saving power.
- I will not leave you orphans, says the Lord; I will come back to you, and your hearts will rejoice.
My hope is in the Lord. The continuous readings have shown all the difficulties of life – treachery, abuse, prision, false accusations, hunger and death. And through it all I trust in the Living God and in his only begotten Son. The wonder of the Church is from the sacrifice of the Lord and the martyrs who gave their lives for the salvation of souls.
Rise up, Martyrs!
Rise up, Saint of the Lord!
The Lord is risen and has ascended.
And so shall you!
First Reading
Paul left Athens and went to Corinth. There he met a Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus, who had recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla because Claudius had ordered all the Jews to leave Rome. He went to visit them and, because he practiced the same trade, stayed with them and worked, for they were tentmakers by trade. Every sabbath, he entered into discussions in the synagogue, attempting to convince both Jews and Greeks.
Responsorial
The Lord has revealed to the nations his saving power.
Gospel Acclamation
I will not leave you orphans, says the Lord; I will come back to you, and your hearts will rejoice.
Gospel
Jesus knew that they wanted to ask him, so he said to them, “Are you discussing with one another what I said, ‘A little while and you will not see me, and again a little while and you will see me’? Amen, amen, I say to you, you will weep and mourn, while the world rejoices; you will grieve, but your grief will become joy.”
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry
Love the photos