MONDAY OF THE SIXTH WEEK OF EASTER - 2020

DAILY HOLY MASS READINGS



The Spirit of truth will testify to me, says the Lord,
and you also will testify. JN 15:26B, 27A



ACTS 16:11-15

My Beloved, Soul of my soul,

Lydia is a woman of remarkable character she cut of the same cloth as the woman described in Proverbs 31. Although she lived among pagans she worshipped God and Paul recognized her as a woman who loved God, she believed the Good News that he preached and she and her entire household were baptized. Filled with the joy of a believer in Christ she generously opened her home and insisted that Paul and his companions stay with her.

It is our duty to give generously to those who preach and teach the Gospel, they are worthy of receiving all they require to accomplish the mission of evangelization. You have said that anyone who gives even a glass of cold water to Your disciples for Your namesake will receive a reward. 

PSALM 149:1-2, 9

My Beloved, Soul of my soul,

You are God and You delight in me. This ought to put a smile on my face, joy in my heart, and a song on my lips. Yet we are such sad, anxious, depressed, fearful creatures despite the fact that You live in us and make us one with You, the Father, and the Holy Spirit. We allow joy to be sucked out of us because we have not yet understood that we are redeemed, sanctified, and we have the power of God within us not only to transform our own lives but the world.  

We are Your people, claimed by You as Your own, and with God, as our Father, we are co-heirs with You to the Kingdom of heaven. Let us resolve to exult in God's goodness from the moment of our rising to the moment we lie down at night to rest for as the psalmist has said, 'Praise is fitting for loyal hearts.'

JOHN 15:26----16:4A

My Beloved, Soul of my soul,

As Your disciples who have walked in the Way of  Truth that the Apostles themselves walked and have not veered from it, the Church is often an easy target not only for the world but for those whose leaders at one point or another, chose different paths after 1500 years of unity.

The Holy Spirit that descended on Your Church at Pentecost remains in her. He abides in her, instructs her, leads her, and guides her. She remembers everything and with His help, just as Your Mother did, she keeps everything in her heart and ponders on it. This is the living, growing Sacred Deposit of Faith, the Sacred Tradition.

To be Your disciple and witness to the world can often prove costly as You have often pointed out bluntly and in no uncertain terms. 

The Catholic Church has many enemies within and without who have tried in vain to topple her. Many have died and many more will continue to die for the Truth rather than have it watered down or compromised in any way to conform to the dictates of this passing world.