Daily Reflection for Wednesday, May 25 2022
Peace and Blessings, Friends and Parishioners,
We encourage you to reflect on Wednesday’s readings at this link:
http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/052522.cfm
If you prefer to use your own Bible, the readings are:
First Reading: Acts 17:15, 22-18:1
Responsorial: Psalm 148:1-2, 11-12, 13, 14
Gospel: John 16:12-15
Our reflection on Wednesday’s readings:
I have much more to tell you but you cannot bear it now. But when he comes, the Spirit of truth, he will guide you to all truth. John 16:12-13a
About 25 years ago, our family experienced several months of horrific crisis. It included 2 unexpected deaths, job loss, a crumbling marriage, loss of friends, community and home.
Like Jesus tells his disciples in today’s reading from John 16, had we known this nightmare was looming in our future, I don’t think we could “bear” it either. In this fog of shock, grief, and pain, we could not have believed there was a beautiful spirit-filled life ahead.
I think Jesus is trying to prepare his beloved disciples for their coming crisis, full of pain, grief, fear, and survival in a world with an unknown future. They will be in shock, shaken to their core during and after witnessing Jesus’ crucifixion. Jesus knows they could not “bear” to hear such information. Jesus assured them that the Spirit of Truth will guide them.
We also are given the Spirit of Truth. This is not a magical gift that allows us to see into the future or allows us to avoid anything painful. It is the gift of knowing in our hearts that Jesus is the son of God. It is the Spirit that will guide us through whatever life on earth throws our way. It is the Spirit that lights our way from death into life.
Everyday people are enduring unbearable, horrific, events - wars, violence, heartache, grief. It seems to be part of the journey of mankind. We can hardly “bear” witnessing the pain of the world. Yet, as followers of Christ, we know the Holy Spirit guides. The Holy Spirit heals the broken.
We know the Spirit is alive in each of us, his followers, guiding us to fulfill God’s wishes for the world and one another. We hear the whispers of the Spirt when we search for God’s will and act on the Spirit’s direction.
How is the Spirit alive and directing your life?
Blessings to you,
Ruth Mytty