HOMILY FOR MONDAY OF THE 6TH WEEK OF EASTER
THEME: Send forth Your Spirit Lord to make us true witnesses of your Word!
BY: Fr. Diotacious Chikontwe SMA
HOMILY FOR MONDAY MAY 23 2022
*READINGS OF THE DAY*
Acts 16:11-15
Psalm 149:1-6,9
John 15:26-16:4
*ABOUT OUR FIRST READING*
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 thing 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.
*ABOUT OUR GOSPEL READING*
In the gospel reading this morning Jesus expresses concern lest the faith of his disciples might be shaken. He shows an awareness that suffering is likely to come their way, in the form of persecution and hostility, and suffering might be undermining of their faith in him. The words of Jesus to his disciples can speak to our experience.
*CONCLUSION*
The words of Jesus to his disciples can speak to our experience. Our own faith can be shaken by various experiences. Some personal suffering, the efforts of others to undermine our faith, the failures of people of faith whom we trusted – all of these experiences and many others can contribute to our faith being shaken. Yet, in the gospel reading Jesus promises to send his disciples, and that includes us all, the Advocate, the Paraclete, the Holy Spirit, to confirm us in our faith when that faith risks being shaken to the core. This Spirit, will help us to continue witnessing to the Lord. The Spirit will be the Lord’s strength in our weakness.
*LET US PRAY*
Lord, thank you for these consoling verses of Scripture. Penetrate my mind and heart as I read and meditate on these words today.Through Christ our Lord.
Fr. Diotacious Chikontwe SMA