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TODAY’S REFLECTION

The theme of sorrow and joy of yesterday’s gospel is continued in today’s passage. Jesus tells his disciples that life is a mixture of sorrow and joy, weeping and rejoicing, anguish and ecstasy. But such moments of sorrow, tears and anguish do not last long. There will be the bright light at the end of the tunnel. The trees shed old leaves only to produce new and fresh ones. The grain of wheat dies in order to produce a new plant and more grains. The pain and anguish of childbirth will turn into an ecstatic experience of watching the new born. Our sorrow and tears in this world will turn into the joy of heavenly bliss. Lord, help me to focus on heaven even in the midst of pains and sorrows of this world.amen

TODAY’S REFLECTION

In today’s first reading we see how the people of Samaria, experience the joy of receiving the good news through the ministry of Philip. They rejoiced that they came to know the true saviour. James and John strengthen them in their faith by laying hands and obtaining for them the power of the Holy Spirit. In today’s gospel Jesus promises the same Holy Spirit, the counsellor, to be with them for ever. The Counsellor is the spirit of truth. The Holy Spirit is the promise of the Lord as he departs from this world after fulfilling his mission. So a Christian is never left abandoned by God, but always lives in the Holy Triune God. St Peter, in the second reading advises the people to be ready to answer their adversaries with a defence of gentleness and reverence. This is the consequence of receiving the Holy Spirit. Lord, fill me with your Spirit of courage and joy.

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