Monday of the Sixth Week of Easter
Acts 16:11-15 | Ps. 149:1-6a, 9b | John 15:26-16:4a
Jesus is trying to tell the apostles about the events that are about to take place. He tells them about the coming of the Spirit to bring them to the truth of all that has happened. They will be expelled from the synagogues by those who refuse to hear His word. Those who do these deeds will think they are doing them for God; but, they do so because they have hardened hearts and refuse to hear what Jesus taught. Jesus wants his apostles to be ready for the future. Yet, they were not. However, with the coming of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost, they received the gifts of the Spirit. These gifts strengthened them to hear the Word and remember what Jesus taught them; and, the truth of that Word came home to them.
Spend a few minutes in prayer with the Holy Spirit. Ask the Spirit to open your heart to hear Christ’s words anew with great joy and strength of spirit. Allow yourself time to be quiet so that the fire of the Holy Spirit will be able to draw you to hear the Word of Christ anew.