Monday of the Sixth Week in Ordinary Time
– John 15:26-16:4a
This Gospel begins with Jesus telling his disciples that
that he will send an Advocate to them from his Father. This Advocate will
be the Spirit of Truth and will testify to Jesus. In turn, the disciples
will go forth and testify about Jesus to others and to the world.
I wonder what the disciples thought when Jesus told them
that they would be changing the world by their testimony? Did they think
this would be grand and glorious? Did they wonder if they would become
famous? Jesus quickly dispelled any illusions of greatness or glory
warned them that they would be persecuted for their testimony, expelled from
the synagogues, and even might be put to death! Can you imagine how the
disciples reacted to Jesus’ words? Did they feel frightened or empowered?
Was their commitment and love for Jesus so deep and strong that they were
determined to follow him even if they might be persecuted or possibly be put to
death?
How committed are we to Jesus? Most likely we will not
be hung on a cross; however, if we choose to follow in Jesus’ footsteps,
we also may have to deal with criticism, judgment, or perhaps even persecution
of one sort or another. Sad to say, our world today is not much different
from the world Jesus lived in. Just listen to the morning or evening
news. In many cities, there are reports
of crimes, shootings, and other problems.
We rarely hear good news.
If we want to follow in Jesus’ footsteps, we must strive to
be attentive to the good news in our lives and in our world. Perhaps we
can create some good news by brightening someone’s day. Who knows?
If we strive to bring good news to our home, town, world, perhaps this practice
will go viral and become contagious.
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