SATURDAY OF THE WORD OF GOD (SATWOG– MAY 16TH, 2026) INSPIRING REFLECTIONS OF MEMBERS

 

Laity Reflections for 7th Sunday of Easter, Year A

1st Reading: Acts 1:12-14

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 27:1;4; 7-8a (R. 13)

2nd Reading: 1 Peter 4:13-16

Gospel Acclamation: cf. John 14:18

 Gospel: John 17:1-11a

Mrs. Ogochukwu Odie

MY REFLECTION

My Reflections will be shared into three parts from the whole readings.

 Prayer: Disciples were praying in the upper room without season as instructed by Christ before the Holy Spirit descended upon them. I wonder if the Holy Spirit would have descended on them when they were doing otherwise. Stick to prayer you will never be disappointed.

 Action - Practicing Christianity: Doing the will of God by living a good life is the key. Don't be disappointed or tired when people are criticizing you when you are living right. God will never leave you– it is a promise.

 God's promise or rather His rewards being fulfilled:  I call it "God in action" to those who strive till the end. God being glorified in them that believe and let it be till the end. We pray for strength to strive till the end!

Bro. Simon-Derah

MY REFLECTION

The readings of this Sunday speak deeply about prayer, perseverance, and Christian identity in moments of waiting and suffering. In the first reading (Acts 1:12-14), after the Ascension of Jesus, the disciples did not scatter in fear; rather, they gathered in unity with Mary and devoted themselves to prayer. Before Pentecost came, there was first a season of waiting. This teaches us that every true mission begins in prayerful communion with God.

In the Gospel (John 17:1-11a), Jesus raises His eyes to heaven and prays for His disciples. One touching reality here is that before Christ faced the Cross, He first entrusted His followers to the Father. Jesus knew the world would challenge them, yet He prayed not for their escape, but for their protection and unity.

St. Peter, in the second reading, encourages Christians not to be ashamed when they suffer for Christ. In today’s world, many people hide their faith because of criticism, social pressure, or fear of rejection. Yet suffering for truth, justice, and faithfulness is part of Christian discipleship.

I remember meeting a family that continued praying together every night despite serious financial struggles and misunderstandings among themselves. Though the pain did not disappear immediately, prayer slowly restored peace and unity in the home. That experience reminded me that families who pray together invite God into their wounds.

As Christians today, especially within our families and communities, we are called to remain united in prayer, patient in trials, and faithful in witnessing Christ. Like the apostles, we may not always understand God’s timing, but we must continue trusting Him.

One striking connection: All the readings reveal that a praying and united community receives the strength to endure suffering and remain faithful to Christ.

Shalom!!!

Igbinazaka Angela

MY REFLECTION

The first reading brings to bear certain details surrounding our relationship with one another in the Christian community where you and I belong to and one in particular is the fact that the apostles were United. As the liturgy puts it, they were of one accord and this is coming before the descent of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost which if they were divided would have made the mission impossible. Christ gave an instruction to them and they waited patiently without any of them lording it over the others. I am humbled by the fact that obedience to the commands of Christ should not necessarily be exercised through the show of power and it’s a take home for me. 

In another light, prayer forms the basis of any mission and I am also reminded to add prayer as my number one task in any plan because even Jesus started with prayer and prayer is the key to success. 

In addition, the mother of Jesus was not left out of the community of faithfuls who gathered in the upper room and this also strikes me personally to learn to include the Blessed Virgin Mary in my prayers and devotion as she is always there to pray with and intercede for us.

Itohan Mercy Umole

MY REFLECTION

My reflection on the second reading:

We are reminded that suffering for doing what is right is not a sign of abandonment by God, but often a sign of closeness to Christ. Saint Peter encourages believers to rejoice when they face difficulties because of their faith, since Christ Himself suffered before entering into glory.

The reading also makes an important distinction: suffering because of wrongdoing brings shame, but suffering for living as a true Christian brings honor before God. In a world where faith, honesty, and righteousness may attract criticism or rejection, we are called not to be discouraged or ashamed. Instead, we should remain steadfast, knowing that the Spirit of God rests upon us.

This message challenges us to examine our lives. Are we willing to stand for Christ even when it is uncomfortable? Do our actions reflect genuine Christian living? The passage invites us to endure trials with faith, humility, and courage, trusting that God’s glory will ultimately be revealed in those who remain faithful to Him.

Anna Akudo Azoti

MY REFLECTION

The readings today call us to prayers, unity, and steadfast Faith. In Acts of the Apostles, the Apostles, Mary, and the disciples devoted themselves to prayers as they await the spirit, showing that perseverance in prayers strengthens the community and prepares hearts for God's work.

Peter reminds us that sharing in Christ's suffering is a privilege, not a shame. By remaining faithful in our trials, we glorify God and participate in his spirit of glory. Our struggles, when lived in Christ, bear eternal significance.

In the Gospel, Jesus prays for his disciples asking the father to glorify them and keep them united in truth.eternal life is knowing god and Christ and abiding in him gives purpose strength and peace.

May God continue to strengthen us through Christ our Lord. Amen.