Today’s Reflection
Gospel: Jn 15: 26 -16: 4a
May 15, 2023 | Monday

Today’s Gospel

From the Father, I will send you the Spirit of truth. When this Helper has come from the Father, he will be my witness, and you, too, will be my witnesses, for you have been with me from the beginning. I tell you all this to keep you from stumbling and falling away. They will put you out of the synagogue. Still more, the hour is coming, when anyone who kills you will claim to be serving God; they will do this, because they have not known the Father or me. I tell you all these things now so that, when the time comes, you may remember that I told you about them.

The Advocate will be the Spirit of Truth. Jesus tells his disciples that the “Advocate” will testify to Jesus and in turn, the disciples will go forth and testify to others and to the world. Did they think this would be grand and glorious? Did they wonder if they would become famous? However, Jesus quickly dispels any illusions of greatness or glory. Jesus warns them that they will be persecuted for their testimony. They also will be expelled from the synagogues and even might be put to death! Can you imagine how the disciples reacted to Jesus’ words? Were they frightened? Or did they feel empowered? Was their commitment and love for Jesus so deep and strong that they were determined to follow Him even if they might be persecuted or possibly be put to death?

How committed are we to Jesus? If we choose to follow in Jesus’ footsteps, we also may have to deal with criticism, judgment, or perhaps even persecution of one sort or another. Sad to say, our world today is not much different from the world Jesus lived in. Just listen to the morning or evening news. In many cities, typically there are reports of crimes, shootings, etc. Rarely is there “good news” on the morning or evening news. If we want to follow in Jesus’ footsteps, today, let us strive to be attentive to the “good news” in our lives. Perhaps we can create some “good news” by brightening someone’s day. Who knows? If we strive to bring “good news” to our home, town, and world, perhaps this practice will “go viral” and become contagious! Jesus brought “good news” to his world and his message is preached daily, hundreds of years after his death! We also may have an impact as we share “the good news.” After all, we have nothing to lose by trying! /Vulnerasti, 2023