REFLECTION FOR SIXTH WEEK OF EASTERTIDE:  MONDAY

Feast of St. Damien of Molokai.

TODAY'S WORD

By


Fr. Aloysius Santiago sdb
Rector and Parish Priest
Don Bosco Shrine
Lingarajapuram, Bangalore

John: 15:26 "When the Advocate comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who comes from the Father, He will testify on My behalf."


FIRST READING REFLECTION

In the first reading Paul preaches the gospel to a group of woman in Philippi.

One of them, Lydia, responded to Paul’s preaching of the gospel, and she and her household were baptized.

She immediately offered Paul hospitality. ‘If you really think me a true believer, come and stay with us’.

Having received the gift of the gospel from Paul, she immediately offered him a gift in return, the gift of hospitality.

Having been graced by the Lord through Paul, she graced Paul by her offer of a place to stay.

We have all been graced in various ways by the Lord.

The first reading this morning suggests that the appropriate response to the experience of being graced is to grace others in return.

Having received from the Lord, we give from what we have received.

St John at the beginning of his gospel declares that from the Lord’s fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.

Because of that, we look for ways to grace others as we have been graced, to bless others as we have been blessed.

Lydia knew what that meant for her concretely, showing hospitality to Paul.

The Lord will also make clear to us what it might mean for us concretely to give from what we have received.


GOSPEL REFLECTION

The Gospel of the Day is an assurance and an invitation by Jesus to live by the Power of the Holy Spirit… and thus be a “Witness of Jesus and His Kingdom!”

One of the primary tasks of Jesus, as he left this world, was to “Strengthen His Disciples”

He knew very well, how each one of them would go through periods of crisis, after His Departure.

When things go on well, life seems to be easy… But when hardships and loneliness creeps in, life seems to be too difficult!

As long as Jesus was with them, the disciples would have an easy life… But with the departure of Jesus, they would have to face a difficult life!

And so Jesus prepares them by assuring them of how the Holy Spirit would strengthen them: “When the Counsellor comes, Whom I shall send you from the Father, the Spirit of Truth… He will bear witness to Me, and you also are witnesses..

I have said all this to you, to keep you from falling away!” (Jn 15:26-27, 16:1)

Jesus knew that all his disciples had weaknesses …

Some would be unsure of what answer to be given when questions were asked


SAINT OF THE DAY

DAMIEN OF MOLOKAI

May the life and witness of St Damien – whose feast we celebrate today be an inspiration for us.

His dedicated life of serving lepers in the island of Molokai, and finally become a leper himself… is a mighty challenge for all of us, to “Witness Jesus Christ” – by thought, by word, by deed, especially in this time of the pandemic!


RESOLUTION

Let us resolve to renew our commitment to the Lord, everyday… and by His Spirit, with boldness and courage, “Stand Firm for the Gospel Values”

Have a blessed week ahead

Remain indoors to learn more about Jesus and His Scriptures