Gospel: May 28, 2025
May 28, 2025 (Wednesday)
6th Week of Easter
Psalter: Week 2 / (White)
Ps 148:1-2, 11-12, 13, 14
Heaven and earth are full of glory.
1st Reading: Acts 17:15, 22-18:1
Gospel: John 16:12-15
I still have many things to tell you, but you cannot bear them now. When he, the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into the whole truth. For he will not speak of his own authority, but will speak what he hears, and he will tell you about the things which are to come. He will take what is mine and make it known to you; in doing this, he will glorify me. All that the Father has is mine; for this reason, I told you that the Spirit will take what is mine, and make it known to you. Some passages of the Acts of the Apostles describe huge crowds converting to the Christian faith. Today’s passage is not one of them. After Saint Pauls’ great speech in Athens only a few join him. Many laugh in his face at the notion that someone could rise from the dead, while others leave the court in perplexity, needing more time to consider this. Here we have three different reactions to the Good News of Jesus Christ: acceptance, rejection and uncertainty. The same reactions are true in every age. The passage tells us something of the mission of the Church and how faith is received by people. The Church’s missionary activity is not to be understood in terms of statistics, but rather as a steadfast cooperation with the Holy Spirit. We trust in his action, and we are to remain his faithful instruments whether someone accepts the Gospel or not. Just as the whole truth was too much for the disciples before Pentecost, so people come to faith at different times according to when the Spirit has enabled them to accept the truth. Let’s never lose heart, but always hope in the Lord, trusting in his powerful action in people’s lives.
Reflection:
“Steadfast Cooperation with the Holy Spirit.”
Some passages of the Acts of the Apostles describe huge crowds converting to the Christian faith. Today’s passage is not one of them. After Saint Pauls’ great speech in Athens only a few join him. Many laughs in his face at the notion that someone could rise from the dead, while others leave the court in perplexity, needing more time to consider this. Here we have three different reactions to the Good News of Jesus Christ: acceptance, rejection and uncertainty. The same reactions are true in every age. The passage tells us something of the mission of the Church and how faith is received by people. The Church’s missionary activity is not to be understood in terms of statistics, but rather as a steadfast cooperation with the Holy Spirit. We trust in his action, and we are to remain his faithful instruments whether someone accepts the Gospel or not. Just as the whole truth was too much for the disciples before Pentecost, so people come to faith at different times according to when the Spirit has enabled them to accept the truth. Let’s never lose heart, but always hope in the Lord, trusting in his powerful action in people’s lives.
