May 15, 2017

May 15

May 15, 2017:  Monday, 5th week, Easter

See 10 connections with today?
Legend below

Listen

Read
  • Acts 14:5-18  Gentiles and Jews, with their leaders, tried to stone Paul and Barnabas, who realized it, fled, and continued to proclaim the Good News.  A cripple listened to Paul, who, seeing he had faith to be healed, called out, “Stand on your feet.”  Seeing him walking, the crowds cried out, “Gods have come down to us.”  The priest of Zeus brought oxen to offer sacrifice, but the Apostles shouted, “We're human like you and proclaim the good news to you so you may turn from idols to the living God....”
  • Ps 115:1-4, 15-16  "Not to us, O Lord, but to your name give the glory."  Our God is in heaven; their idols, peoples' handiwork.
  • Jn 14:21-26  “Whoever observes my commandments loves me and will be loved by my Father, and I'll love him and reveal myself to him.  Whoever loves me will keep my word, and we will make our dwelling with him....  The Advocate, the Holy Spirit the Father will send, will teach you everything and remind you of all I told you.”
Reflect
  • Creighton:  Today's gospel is from Jesus' "Last Discourse" with his apostles.   The chapter of today's gospel, contains three questions to Jesus about the future.  He doesn't give answers but rather invites them to recall what they've heard and seen and to trust God to be with them.
    'Paraclete' (παράκλητος, 'advocate'),
    not 'parakeet' :-)
  • One Bread, One Body:  "The docile will inherit the earth":  Jesus is a Paraclete and Teacher, so the Spirit is "another Paraclete" and another Teacher.  We should be docile towards our teachers, as Mary was docile to the Spirit:  silent, attentive, and hopeful.  We must be quiet, minimize distractions, and hope that what the Spirit teaches us will renew the earth....
  • Passionist:  “Whoever has and observes my commandments loves me and will be loved by my Father, and I will love and reveal myself to him.”  Does God's love come only after we demonstrate ours?  No; God loves us first.  When the people of Lystra mistake Paul and Barnabas for gods, Paul explains that God blessed them, unbelievers though they were.  But when we observe Jesus’ commandments, he reveals more of himself to us. The more we love, the more he reveals how much he loves, and that helps us follow him.  May we follow Jesus’ commandments and help reveal his love to all.
  • DailyScripture.net:  "If you love me, keep my word":  Jesus is preparing his disciples for his return to his Father, exhorting them to prove their love for him through their obedience to his word and promising them the instruction and consolation of the Spirit.  The Lord loves each of us as if there were only one of us to love (Augustine).  The Spirit helps us grow in knowledge of God and his love, enables us to experience God's love and be sure of his presence, and opens us to hear and understand God's word.  Holy Spirit, inflame me with love of God and his word.

Dress legend
  • 'Stone' tie pin:  They tried to stone Paul and Barnabas (1st reading)
  • 'Eyeball' tie pin:  Paul looked intently at the cripple (1st reading)
  • 'Precious feet' pin: “Stand up straight on your feet.” (1st reading)
  • 'Heart' pin:  "God filled you with nourishment and gladness for your hearts" (1st reading)
  • 'People' tie:  Barnabas and Paul:  "We're people, not gods" (1st reading)
  • '?' tie pin:  Why should the pagans say, “Where is their God?”? (psalm)
  • Silver- and gold-colored accessories:  Their idols are silver and gold (psalm)
  • 'Dove' pin:  The Father will send the Spirit who will teach and remind you (gospel) 
  • White shirt and socks:  Easter season

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