"I have told you this so that when their hour comes
you may remember that I told you.”
(John 16:4)
The Holy Spirit, the Advocate, or the Spirit of truth, is a divine helper sent by Jesus from the Father to guide and empower our faith journey. Following Jesus may involve hardships and challenges but Jesus us that these trials are not to be faced alone but with the help of the Holy Spirit. Our perseverance in faith even in the face of trials and tribulations and personal testimony of experiences in our faith journey places a great impact in sharing the Gospel. Let us trust in God’s plan and His control over all circumstances, living out our faith actively in our daily lives, and trusting in God’s sovereignty.
26 Jesus said to his disciples: “When the Advocate comes whom I will send you from the Father, the Spirit of truth that proceeds from the Father, he will testify to me. 27 And you also testify, because you have been with me from the beginning. 16:1 “I have told you this so that you may not fall away. 2 They will expel you from the synagogues; in fact, the hour is coming when everyone who kills you will think he is offering worship to God. 3 They will do this because they have not known either the Father or me. 4 I have told you this so that when their hour comes you may remember that I told you.” (John 15:26–16:4)
The Holy Spirit, Advocate so true, a divine helper, for me and you. Sent by Jesus, from the Father's side, to guide and empower, to be our guide. Following Jesus, a path not mild, Yet, not alone, even when reviled. Hardships and challenges may mark the way, But with the Spirit's help, we won't stray. Perseverance in faith, a beacon bright, in trials and tribulations, our guiding light. Our personal testimony, a powerful song, sharing the Gospel, to whom we belong. Trust in God's plan, in His control, in all circumstances, He makes us whole. Living out faith, in our daily lives, in God's sovereignty, our spirit thrives.
Dear Lord Jesus, we acknowledge the Holy Spirit, our Advocate, our guide, a divine helper You've sent from the Father's side. To guide and empower us on this faith journey we tread, with You, our Savior, we have nothing to dread. Following You may involve challenges, trials untold, but with the Holy Spirit, we are bold. For these trials are not faced alone, with Your help, the seeds of faith are sown. We persevere in faith, in tribulations and trials, our personal testimony, across the miles. Sharing the Gospel, our experiences, our song, in our faith journey, we are strong. We trust in God’s plan, in His sovereign rule, in all circumstances, He is our tool. Living out our faith actively, day by day, in God’s sovereignty, we find our way. In Your holy name, we pray, Amen.
Faith is a gift from God, and it is God who opens people’s hearts to the Gospel. Faith should be accompanied by action. Let us always be open to divine guidance in our lives and remain hospitable in our walk of faith. These lessons also remind us of the inclusive nature of Christianity highlighting the significant role of women in the early church and the global reach of the Christian message.
11 We set sail from Troas, making a straight run for Samothrace, and on the next day to Neapolis, 12 and from there to Philippi, a leading city in that district of Macedonia and a Roman colony. We spent some time in that city. 13 On the sabbath we went outside the city gate along the river where we thought there would be a place of prayer. We sat and spoke with the women who had gathered there. 14 One of them, a woman named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth, from the city of Thyatira, a worshiper of God, listened, and the Lord opened her heart to pay attention to what Paul was saying. 15 After she and her household had been baptized, she offered us an invitation, “If you consider me a believer in the Lord, come and stay at my home,” and she prevailed on us. (Acts 16:11-15)
In the realm where divine love imparts, God's gift is faith, opening hearts. A seed sown in the soul's deep parts, blooming in actions, as life restarts. Guidance divine, a beacon bright, in life's storm, our guiding light. Open we remain, in day or night, to His wisdom, His infinite might. Hospitality, a virtue so grand, in our faith's journey, a helping hand. Welcoming all, across every land, in God's love, united we stand. Christianity, inclusive and wide, where women in faith, side by side, in the early church, became our guide, their significant role, our humble pride. The message of Christ, far and wide it flew, from Jerusalem streets to the European view. A global reach, to name just a few, the Gospel's journey, forever continues anew.
Dear Heavenly Father, we come before You with open hearts, acknowledging that faith is a precious gift from You. We are grateful for Your divine intervention, for it is You who opens our hearts to the Gospel, allowing us to truly understand and accept Your word. Guide us, Lord, to put our faith into action. Let our deeds reflect our belief, and may our lives be a testament to Your love and grace. Help us to remain open to Your divine guidance in all aspects of our lives, trusting in Your wisdom and providence. Teach us, Father, to practice hospitality, to welcome all with open arms, just as You welcome us into Your kingdom. May we extend Your love and kindness to others, reflecting Your generosity and compassion in our actions. We thank You for the inclusive nature of Christianity, where all are welcome, regardless of gender, race, or status. We remember the significant role of women in the early church, their faith and courage serving as an inspiration for all believers. Finally, we rejoice in the global reach of the Christian message, a testament to Your desire for all to come to know You. May we play our part in spreading Your word, contributing to the growth of Your kingdom on earth. In Jesus' name, we pray, Amen.
God takes pleasure in His people, especially those who are humble. With God on our side, we can overcome any challenges or adversities we face. Faith is not passive, but involves active praise, rejoicing, and preparation for spiritual conflict. Our faith should be lived out actively in our daily lives. Our worship should be fresh and heartfelt, praising God in all circumstances, whether in private or in the assembly of believers. Our joy in the Lord comes from recognizing and acknowledging God’s sovereignty in our lives.
1 Sing to the Lord a new song of praise in the assembly of the faithful. 2 Let Israel be glad in their maker, let the children of Zion rejoice in their king. 3 Let them praise his name in the festive dance, let them sing praise to him with timbrel and harp. 4 For the Lord loves his people, and he adorns the lowly with victory. 5 Let the faithful exult in glory; let them sing for joy upon their couches. 6 Let the high praises of God be in their throats. 9 This is the glory of all his faithful. Alleluia. (Psalm 149:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 9)
In humble hearts, God finds His delight, in every dawn and deepest night. With Him by our side, we stand tall, overcoming adversities, we conquer all. Faith is not a passive stream, but a roaring river, a radiant beam. It dances in praise, in joy it sings, prepares us for spiritual conflicts life brings. In daily deeds, our faith takes flight, in acts of love, in the pursuit of right. Our worship, fresh as morning dew, heartfelt praises, forever new. In solitude or in the crowd, our praises to God, we voice aloud. In every circumstance, we find a way, to honor God, to give Him our day. Joy in the Lord, our hearts ignite, in His sovereignty, we find our light. In every moment, in every strife, we acknowledge Him, the source of life.
Dear Heavenly Father, we acknowledge that You take pleasure in Your people, especially those who walk in humility and grace. With You on our side, we find strength, to overcome challenges, to win every race. Our faith is not passive, but active and alive, in praise and rejoicing, in You, we thrive. Prepare us, Lord, for spiritual conflict, in our daily lives, let our faith be depicted. May our worship be fresh, our praises heartfelt, in all circumstances, Your presence is felt. Whether in private or in the assembly of believers, may our praises rise to You, our loving Receiver. Our joy in You, Lord, is our song, recognizing Your sovereignty, to You we belong. In every moment of our lives, in every breath, we acknowledge You, Lord, in life and in death. In Jesus' name, we pray, Amen.
Pericope:
Gospel
III: The Book of Glory
THE WORLD'S HATRED
John 15:18-27 / 1-4
First Reading
V. The Mission of Paul to the ends of the Earth
INTO EUROPE
Acts 16:11-15
Responsorial Psalm
Fifth Book of Psalms 107-150
PRAISE GOD WITH SONG AND SWORD
Psalm 149:1-9
Reflection Source:
Copilot
