First Reading: Acts 1:12-14
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 27:1;4;7-8a (R. 13)
Second Reading: 1 Peter 4:13-16
Gospel Acclamation: John 14:18
Gospel: John 17:1-11a
Psalm 27 has been one of my most cherished Psalms for several years now, particularly verse 4.
I ask myself, as I ask you and indeed all who profess the name of Christ: "Where do you find your repose?"
Dear Lord, even if I lose it all, may I never turn away from your house, may I never turn away from your presence; may I continue to seek your presence and your will. Amen!
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| Stella Udeh |
MY REFLECTION
The first reading is telling us today how the apostles devoted themselves to Prayer together with our Mother Mary. Jesus has gone up to heaven, and now they know the master is no more with them.
So, they have to pray and wait for the promised Paraclete - the Holy Spirit we are all expecting soon. We too need to be more prayerful now and devote ourselves to the ongoing Novena.
The Second Reading tells us that once we receive the Spirit of glory, we should not be ashamed to work for or preach about Christ, but glorify God for more blessings shall come upon us as Christians.
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| Lawrence Okonofua |
MY REFLECTION
The First Reading re-emphasizes to me, a need for communal prayers which provide mutual benefits.
The second reading again tells me that Christianity is beautifully rewarding just like roses that has thorns which makes the rewards sweetest at the end. I must be prepared for some challenges in my desire to follow Christ.
The Gospel Reading is, to me, our Lord confirming what He said on the road to Calvary: "My work as man is done...." He now thanks His Father for the privilege to have successfully carried out the assignment of redemption and prays that we shall be victorious but we need to be devotedly firm on the SALFIVIC journey.
One thing, however, that gives me worry each time this is read, is the statement, "I pray for them. I do not pray for the world but for those whom You have given Me, for they are Yours." John 17:9
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| Angelina |
MY REFLECTION
Prayer is the central message of this period of waiting for the coming of the Holy Spirit, and He will surely come, as Jesus has promised He will; and in our preparation, we must not forget Jesus' mother, Mary, whom He Himself did not forget in His final will by handing her over to John and John over to her.
Praying the Rosary daily is, therefore, a must, especially at this time of special waiting, for our prayers to be acceptable to God.
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| Chris-Marie Obi |
MY REFLECTION
The prayer of Jesus in the Gospel passage is similar to that of St. Paul in 2 Timothy 4:7, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith."
St. Paul, like Jesus, fought a good fight. (Here comes the message in the Second Reading: "If you are reproached for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the spirit of glory and of God rests on you.") Fight a good fight, and don't give up faith amid suffering and rejection.
He also, like Jesus, finished the race. (It is when this happens that one can say; "I have manifested your name to the men whom you gave me out of the world; yours they were, and you gave them to me, and they have kept your word...")
Can I, like Jesus or St. Paul, be bold enough to make this prayer?
More is needed of me and more I must offer.
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| Paul Kehinde Erinoso |
MY REFLECTION
"I pray for them..."
How often do you pray for others too?
The disciples, by gathering to pray after Jesus Christ had gone up to meet his father, emphasized the importance of prayer; continuous prayer in human life.
Our prayer life should lead us closer to God. This will help us bear all insults as Christians in the name of God, rather than suffering as criminals.
I have made your name known to the men you took from the world to give me.
Nice.. well-done guys
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