Eastertide Week 6 - Acts 16,11-15 ; Jn 15,26-16,4
Let it never be said that Jesus did not warn his disciples about the difficulties they would face in being his disciples and preachers of the Gospel. The majority of them were put to death. What is encouraging today is to hear that not everyone was against them. Lydia, in Macedonia, a rich woman, welcomed Paul and his companions into her home and supported them in every way she could. We are also aware that the disciples established successful communities in very many places. Paul was beaten, stoned, left for dead, imprisoned and ejected from many communities but was never deterred. Let us remember this when we believe life is hard and the way ahead uncertain and threatening.
Like the Apostles and disciples, we too have been given the Holy Spirit who dwells within us in love and the presence of that love changes the way we see and experience everything if we acknowledge it. The fire of the Spirit lights up the hope in our lives so that we are sign of hope to all those we encounter.
In This Time Of Looming Dark, Look To The True Light (Robert J. Lindley,)
World is dark and racing fast into hell
grab a coin, toss it in a wishing well
have some faith that our Father sees and hears
sad voices crying out in deeper fear
and will always with Love do what is right
be it light of day or darkest of night.
Hold fast, precious Life is so very sweet.
Eternal mercy comes from Heaven's seat.
World now seems to spin so out of control
now fear seeks room within our weeping souls
future is uncertain and outlook grim
yet one must have faith in Light and in Him
for purest Love that gives and never fails
even if calm has now gone off the rails.
Hold fast, precious Life is so very sweet.
Eternal mercy comes from Heaven's seat.
World has in the past looming dark beheld
mankind has too oft catastrophe spelled
yet survived to go on to live and strive
so thank God we are here and still alive
living, breathing and asking all the more
for divine hands to save us, we implore.
Hold fast, precious Life is so very sweet.
Eternal mercy comes from Heaven's seat.
by Fr Thomas O'BRIEN a.a