Be Strong

The WORD today (See http://usccb.org/bible/readings/051115.cfm) reminds me that God wants us to be strong amidst the challenges in life.

Life is not fair, and God wants us to be strong amidst the challenges and persecutions that life bring us, especially with regards to us being followers of God. In the gospel, Jesus said that we will experience persecutions, and he warns us ahead so we may be prepared and not fall away when we experience these things.

Following Christ is not easy.

Jesus experienced his share of suffering and persecution in this world, and we should expect them too if we are real followers of Christ. But He does not want us to succumb to these challenges. He wants us to be strong and hold on to his word as we experience these. God will give us strength to endure it, and the wisdom to look forward and know what is really important in life.

When we experience challenges that come with following Christ, may we learn to be strong and focus on Him.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another week. thank you for the reminder. Lord, I am sorry for the times I get weak and succumb to these challenges and persecutions. Sorry for the times I prioritize other things instead of my faith. I ask that you continue to be patient with me. give me strength to face the challenges that come with following you. give me the wisdom to know what is really important and be able to focus on you. amen.

Blessed week!

In Christ,

-g-

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May 11, 2015

Monday of the Sixth Week of Easter

Lectionary: 291

Reading 1 Acts 16:11-15

We set sail from Troas, making a straight run for Samothrace,

and on the next day to Neapolis, and from there to Philippi,

a leading city in that district of Macedonia and a Roman colony.

We spent some time in that city.

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.

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.

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.

Responsorial Psalm PS 149:1b-2, 3-4, 5-6a and 9b

R. (see 4a) The Lord takes delight in his people.

or:

R. Alleluia.

Sing to the LORD a new song

of praise in the assembly of the faithful.

Let Israel be glad in their maker,

let the children of Zion rejoice in their king.

R. The Lord takes delight in his people.

or:

R. Alleluia.

Let them praise his name in the festive dance,

let them sing praise to him with timbrel and harp.

For the LORD loves his people,

and he adorns the lowly with victory.

R. The Lord takes delight in his people.

or:

R. Alleluia.

Let the faithful exult in glory;

let them sing for joy upon their couches.

Let the high praises of God be in their throats.

This is the glory of all his faithful. Alleluia.

R. The Lord takes delight in his people.

or:

R. Alleluia.

Alleluia Jn 15:26b, 27a

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

The Spirit of truth will testify to me, says the Lord,

and you also will testify.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel Jn 15:26—16:4a

Jesus said to his disciples:

“When the Advocate comes whom I will send you from the Father,

the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father,

he will testify to me.

And you also testify,

because you have been with me from the beginning.

“I have told you this so that you may not fall away.

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.

They will do this because they have not known either the Father or me.

I have told you this so that when their hour comes

you may remember that I told you.”