LECTIONARY READINGS
First reading: Acts 15:1-2, 22-29
Responsorial psalm: Ps 66(67):2-3, 5-6, 8
Second reading: Apocalypse 21:10-14, 22-23
Gospel: John 14:23-29
Link to readings
This last Sunday, before Ascension and Pentecost, we see Jesus’s earthly ministry come to a gradual conclusion. Jesus is about to return to the Father, but his final words contain a promise (Gospel): through his Spirit of power, courage and knowledge (he will always remain with his disciples. Jesus is ensuring that his ministry will continue.
In the First Reading we see that the same disciples do not make any decisions without consulting the Holy Spirit. It is the Holy Spirit who keeps them (and us today) faithful to Christ’s word. In the Second Reading, John speaks of being carried away in the Spirit. The Holy Spirit of consolation, strength and wisdom is essential for everything. When we, too, know and feel this lifegiving presence of Christ’s Spirit in our hearts, we can repeat the words of the Psalmist who praises God in all and for all.
Through the grace of this same Spirit, we are Pilgrims of Hope in this Jubilee year. Let’s rest in that grace this week, as the Spirit makes her home in us, and through whom we receive light, blessing and wisdom to be of service to others.
PSALM 66 (67)
R./ Let the peoples praise you, O God; let all the peoples praise you.
May God be gracious and bless us
and let his face shed its light upon us.
So will your ways be known upon earth
and all nations learn your salvation.
Let the nations be glad and shout for joy,
with uprightness you rule the peoples;
you guide the nations on earth.
Let the peoples praise you, O God;
let all the peoples praise you.
May God still give us his blessing
that all the ends of the earth may revere him.
REFLECTION
I come to this time of prayer asking for an open, generous, willing heart. However I am feeling just now, and whatever is going on in my life, I remember that this is still the season of Resurrection; God has a desire to fill me with light and blessing.
I give myself some time to become still. I let any anxieties and concerns settle as my breathing falls into a steady rhythm. Is there a particular grace I am seeking? After a while, I read the psalm. What am I noticing? Is there a word or a line that is speaking to me? I pause to consider it.
I read again, pausing often. What is drawing me now? Is something different coming to the surface? Can I sense the energy of the psalmist, the energy of creation? Perhaps I ask . . . where have I been blessed recently?
Is there some area of my life that needs a light to shine on it? For what do I need the Lord’s Guidance? With the Lord I ponder these questions. When ready, I end this prayer time by uniting myself to the peoples and nations and indeed the entire earth, with my own words of praise for the goodness of the Lord. Glory be . . .
GOSPEL
John 14: 23–29
At that time: Jesus said to his disciples,
‘If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. Whoever does not love me does not keep my words. And the word that you hear is not mine but the Father’s who sent me.
‘These things I have spoken to you while I am still with you. But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. You heard me say to you, “I am going away, and I will come to you.” If you loved me, you would have rejoiced, because I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I. And now I have told you before it takes place, so that when it does take place you may believe.’
REFLECTION
I begin by asking for the help of the Helper. May the Holy Spirit teach me all that God wishes me to know, both for my own sake and for the sake of others.
Now, I pause to become still. My heart may be feeling afraid; my spirit might be troubled just now, so I ask for that peace spoken of by Christ. It is Christ’s own peace being freely offered. I spend some time thanking Jesus for this great gift he leaves with me, and I rest ever more deeply in it. Slowly, I come to a profound quiet.
I read the Gospel, paying attention to what is touching me. Am I drawn to the Holy Spirit, the Helper? Where do I need help in my life? Or is the image of Peace drawing me? Are any relationships coming to mind that desperately need Christ’s peace? Perhaps I am moved by the contemplation of God making a home with me. Can I see myself as a home for God? I give time to ponder, and I trust in the work of the Holy Spirit in me through this time of prayer.
I end by speaking with the Lord about whatever has touched me most powerfully and give thanks for his presence with me and his promise to return to me. Our Father . . .
Courtesy of St Beuno’s Outreach in the Diocese of Wrexham, UK