"But I tell you the truth, it is better for you that I go.
For if I do not go, the Advocate will not come to you.
But if I go, I will send him to you. "
(John 16:7)
God does not leave us unprepared for the challenges we face, and He provides comfort and guidance through the Holy Spirit. The transformative power of the Holy Spirit in our lives gives us the wisdom and understanding to accept that there is always consolation in every separation. Sometimes, change, even if it seems difficult or painful, is necessary for growth and progress. Let us embrace change, rely on the Holy Spirit, have faith in Jesus, live righteously, be aware of spiritual realities, and find comfort in God’s provisions.
5 Jesus said to his disciples: “Now I am going to the one who sent me, and not one of you asks me, ‘Where are you going?’ 6 But because I told you this, grief has filled your hearts. 7 But I tell you the truth, it is better for you that I go. For if I do not go, the Advocate will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you. 8 And when he comes he will convict the world in regard to sin and righteousness and condemnation: 9 sin, because they do not believe in me; 10 righteousness, because I am going to the Father and you will no longer see me; 11 condemnation, because the ruler of this world has been condemned.” (John 16:5-11)
In the face of challenges, daunting and steep, God prepares us well, His promises to keep. Comfort and guidance, through the Holy Spirit He provides, in His loving presence, our weary soul confides. The Holy Spirit's power, transformative and pure, gives wisdom and understanding, of this we're sure. In every separation, a consolation we find, a testament to God's love, so gracious and kind. Change, though painful, is part of our quest, necessary for growth, for giving our best. Difficult it may seem, yet progress it brings, a melody of hope, in our hearts it sings. Embrace the change, let not your spirit falter, rely on the Holy Spirit, at the divine altar. Have faith in Jesus, live righteously each day, be aware of spiritual realities, come what may. In God’s provisions, find your comfort and peace, His love and mercy, they never cease. So, in this journey of life, with its various renditions, Let's find solace in God, and His divine provisions.
Dear Lord Jesus, we come before You today, acknowledging Your divine providence in our lives. We are grateful that You do not leave us unprepared for the challenges we face. Your comfort and guidance, provided through the Holy Spirit, are our constant companions in times of need. We recognize the transformative power of the Holy Spirit in our lives. It gives us the wisdom and understanding to accept that there is always consolation in every separation. We are reminded that even in the midst of change, Your love and grace remain steadfast. We understand that sometimes, change, even if it seems difficult or painful, is necessary for growth and progress. Help us to embrace this change, trusting in Your perfect plan for our lives. We rely on the Holy Spirit for guidance and strength. We have faith in You, Lord Jesus, and strive to live righteously, following Your teachings and commandments. We are aware of the spiritual realities that surround us. Help us to stand firm in our faith, equipped with the armor of God, ready to face any spiritual battles. Finally, we find comfort in Your provisions. Your grace is sufficient for us, and Your mercy is new every morning. We are grateful for Your unending love and care. In Your precious name, we pray. Amen.
The power of prayer can make us experience God’s ability to intervene in miraculous ways. His salvation comes through faith in Jesus Christ, giving us the liberty and freedom both physical and spiritual. The transformative power of the Gospel enables us to maintain faith and hope even in the face of adversity. It opens our hearts and minds to the value of human life and the importance of preserving it. Instead of hating, we are moved to love our enemies and do good to those who persecute us. As we navigate through various challenges and interactions with others, let us maintain faith, value life, seek salvation, and show love to others.
22 The crowd in Philippi joined in the attack on Paul and Silas, and the magistrates had them stripped and ordered them to be beaten with rods. 23 After inflicting many blows on them, they threw them into prison and instructed the jailer to guard them securely. 24 When he received these instructions, he put them in the innermost cell and secured their feet to a stake. 25 About midnight, while Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God as the prisoners listened, 26 there was suddenly such a severe earthquake that the foundations of the jail shook; all the doors flew open, and the chains of all were pulled loose. 27 When the jailer woke up and saw the prison doors wide open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself, thinking that the prisoners had escaped. 28 But Paul shouted out in a loud voice, “Do no harm to yourself; we are all here.” 29 He asked for a light and rushed in and, trembling with fear, he fell down before Paul and Silas. 30 Then he brought them out and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” 31 And they said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus and you and your household will be saved.” 32 So they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to everyone in his house. 33 He took them in at that hour of the night and bathed their wounds; then he and all his family were baptized at once. 34 He brought them up into his house and provided a meal and with his household rejoiced at having come to faith in God. (Acts 16:22-34)
In the quiet corners of our hearts, we kneel in prayer, experiencing God's power, His love and care. Miracles unfold, in ways so grand, through faith in Jesus, we understand. Salvation is a gift, a precious gem, offered to all, not just to some. Liberty and freedom, both physical and spiritual, through Christ, all things are made possible. The Gospel's power, transformative and pure, helps us maintain faith, and hope to endure. In adversity's face, we stand tall and firm, with God's word, we confirm. Our hearts and minds, open wide, to the value of life, we cannot hide. Preserving it becomes our mission, a calling of divine commission. Enemies surround, yet love we choose, doing good to those who accuse. Hatred has no place, only love's embrace, in this amazing grace. Navigating life, challenges abound, in faith and love, we are found. Valuing life, seeking salvation, showing love without reservation.
Dear Heavenly Father, we come before You today, acknowledging the power of prayer. We have experienced Your divine intervention in miraculous ways, and for that, we are truly grateful. We understand that salvation comes through faith in Your Son, Jesus Christ. This faith gives us liberty and freedom, both physically and spiritually. We are no longer bound by the chains of sin, but are free to live in Your grace. We are in awe of the transformative power of the Gospel. It enables us to maintain faith and hope even in the face of adversity. It opens our hearts and minds to the value of human life and the importance of preserving it. Lord, instead of harboring hatred, we choose to love our enemies and do good to those who persecute us. This is not always easy, but we know it is what You have called us to do. As we navigate through various challenges and interactions with others, help us to maintain our faith, value life, seek salvation, and show love to others. Guide us in our daily lives, and may our actions reflect Your love and mercy. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
God has magnified His word above all His name. The Lord is actively working in our lives for our good. He hears our prayers and responds in His perfect timing. He is faithful and committed to His promises. Walking in the midst of trouble, we trust in God's protection and are confident that God will deliver us. Let us maintain a deep, personal relationship with God, expressing our love and gratitude to God at all times, and praising Him with our whole heart regardless of our circumstances or surroundings
1 I will give thanks to you, O Lord, with all my heart, for you have heard the words of my mouth; in the presence of the angels I will sing your praise; 2 I will worship at your holy temple and give thanks to your name. Because of your kindness and your truth; for you have made great above all things your name and your promise. 3 When I called, you answered me; you built up strength within me. 7 Your right hand saves me. 8 The Lord will complete what he has done for me; your kindness, O Lord, endures forever; forsake not the work of your hands. (Psalm 138:1-2, 2-3, 7-8)
In the vast expanse of His divine domain, God has magnified His word above all His name. Active in our lives, His work is never done, Guiding us, shaping us, till our days are run. He hears our prayers, in silence or in roar, responds in perfect timing, of this we're sure. Faithful and committed, to His promises He's true, in every moment, His love breaks through. Walking in the midst of trouble, fear may rise, but we trust in God's protection, the ultimate prize. Confident in His deliverance, in His power we trust, knowing that His plans for us are just. Let us maintain a relationship, deep and personal, with God, our Father, eternal and universal. Expressing love and gratitude, in sunshine or in rain, praising Him with our whole heart, in joy or in pain. Regardless of our circumstances, or where we're standing, His love surrounds us, ever-expanding. So let us lift our voices, let our praises ring, for in every situation, to God we cling.
Dear Heavenly Father, We come before You today, acknowledging Your supremacy and the power of Your Word. You have magnified Your Word above all Your name, and we stand in awe of its authority and truth. We recognize Your active work in our lives, guiding us, shaping us, and working all things for our good. We are grateful for Your involvement in every detail of our lives. We thank You for hearing our prayers. We are confident in Your perfect timing and Your faithful response to our cries for help. Your faithfulness and commitment to Your promises give us hope and assurance. Even as we walk in the midst of trouble, we trust in Your protection. We are confident that You will deliver us from every trial and tribulation. Your mighty hand is our shield and fortress. Help us to maintain a deep, personal relationship with You. May we express our love and gratitude to You at all times, praising You with our whole heart regardless of our circumstances or surroundings. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
Pericope:
Gospel
III: The Book of Glory
JESUS DEPARTURE; COMING OF THE ADVOCATE
John 16:4-33
First Reading
V: The Mission of Paul to the Ends of the Earth
IMPRISONMENT AT PHILLIPPI / DELIVERANCE FROM PRISON
Acts 16:16-24 / 25-40
Responsorial Psalm
Fifth Book of Psalms 107-150
HYMN OF A GRATEFUL HEART
Psalm 138:1-8
Reflection Source:
Co-pilot
