Acts 14:5-18/ Ps. 113b:1-4,15-16/ Jn. 14:21-26

The first reading today from the Acts of the Apostles shares with us how St. Paul and St. Barnabas were treated like gods incarnate in the flesh, and worshipped by the people. St. Paul and his companion were treated with the greatest honour and respect, that it took great courage for them to resist the temptation of pride, glory and worldly power, and not only that, they chided the people for their false ways and erroneous beliefs.

They were not swayed by worldly glory and ambition. So, while they could have gained and benefitted from the great favour and honour, they were receiving from the people, rather they remained firm in their faith and remembered the mission that God had entrusted to them.

Brethren, we are told that St. Paul and St. Barnabas did not give in to the temptation of ego and greed, which had in fact brought down so many people. Sometimes we too are tempted to choose selfish desires, ambitions and worldly pursuits ahead of our obligations and responsibilities in following God and doing what the Lord has taught, or even spend our time discerning our path in life and the will of God for us.

According to Jesus in today’s gospel reading, the role of the Holy Spirit is to remind us of all Jesus has said, to keep bringing our minds to the word of Jesus addressed to us today, especially his call to love one another as he has loved us. The Holy Spirit not only reminds us of these words of Jesus that we are to keep, but empowers us to live it out in our lives. The Holy Spirit is recreating the power of the risen Lord in our lives enabling us to love as we have been loved.

May the Risen Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, continue to guide us and help us to keep asking the Spirit to fill us more and more, filling our thoughts, words, deeds and our very being, so that our relationship with the Lord will continue to deepen.

Rosary Prayer: Joyful Mysteries

Mass Intentions: we continue to pray for all the sick special mention today is made of Theresa Aparece – Tobilla. We also remember the the intentions of Marcel Chukwu who’s thanking God for the gift of life and praying for a good job offer.