May 13 2024

First reading Acts 19:1-8

The moment Paul laid hands on them the Holy Spirit came down on them

While Apollos was in Corinth, Paul made his way overland as far as Ephesus, where he found a number of disciples. When he asked, ‘Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you became believers?’ they answered, ‘No, we were never even told there was such a thing as a Holy Spirit.’ ‘Then how were you baptised?’ he asked. ‘With John’s baptism’ they replied. ‘John’s baptism’ said Paul ‘was a baptism of repentance; but he insisted that the people should believe in the one who was to come after him – in other words, Jesus.’ When they heard this, they were baptised in the name of the Lord Jesus, and the moment Paul had laid hands on them the Holy Spirit came down on them, and they began to speak with tongues and to prophesy. There were about twelve of these men.

He began by going to the synagogue, where he spoke out boldly and argued persuasively about the kingdom of God. He did this for three months.

Responsorial Psalm 67(68):2-7

R: Sing to God, O kingdoms of the earth

God arises; his enemies are scattered,
and those who hate him flee before him.
As smoke is driven away, so are they driven;
as wax melts before the fire.

But the just rejoice and exult before God;
they are glad and rejoice.
Sing to God, chant praise to his name;
whose name is the Lord.

The father of orphans and the defender of widows
is God in his holy dwelling.
God gives a home to the forsaken;
he leads forth prisoners to prosperity.

Gospel John 16:29-33

Be brave, for I have conquered the world

His disciples said to Jesus, ‘Now you are speaking plainly and not using metaphors! Now we see that you know everything, and do not have to wait for questions to be put into words; because of this we believe that you came from God.’ Jesus answered them:

‘Do you believe at last?

Listen; the time will come – in fact it has come already –

when you will be scattered,

each going his own way and leaving me alone.

And yet I am not alone,

because the Father is with me.

I have told you all this

so that you may find peace in me.

In the world you will have trouble,

but be brave: I have conquered the world.’

__________________________________

Jesus, Bless me with strength, wisdom and love

How do you deal with conflict? Do you compromise? Do you debate? Do you avoid it?

Paul is no stranger to conflict. On his travels, he encountered people who debated his preaching of Jesus and the Kingdom of God and some even tried to kill him. Now, on his third missionary journey, Paul arrives at Ephesus. The followers there knew about John’s baptism of repentance but are unaware of important elements of the faith in Jesus. So, Paul baptizes them in the name of the Lord Jesus and lays hands on them –they receive the Holy Spirit!

In the Gospel, Jesus is speaking to the Apostles at the Last Supper, He is about to be treated cruelly and suffer the passion. Jesus tells His friends that they too will face conflict, and people will attack them – adversity lies ahead. But, Jesus also gives them good news. Jesus is greater than any suffering that they will face: “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (v33).

Indeed, the early Christians faced much adversity –they were exiled, had internal conflicts, were persecuted and tortured. How did they survive? It was the faith that God the Father, the Holy Spirit and Jesus were with them. The Holy Trinity is with us too.

What is the biggest conflict in my life at this time?

Jesus, You have overcome the world. Protect me when I face conflict. Bless me with strength, wisdom and love.

Reflection taken from Daily Shalom; Herald Malaysia.