REFLECTIONS TODAY Today’s Gospel repeats much of yesterday’s account about the sorrow the disciples will experience when Jesus goes away (in his suffering and death) and the joy that they will experience when he soon returns (in his resurrection). Jesus compares their experience to that of a...
RFEFLECTIONS TODAY The disciples start mumbling among themselves, asking what Jesus means. To us, it is clear that Jesus is referring to his coming suffering, death, and resurrection. He warns them that they will be “weeping and wailing” while others rejoice. Witnessing the last hours of Jesus...
REFLECTIONS TODAY The Spirit will not make new revelations, but rather will shed light on what has already occurred and has been said by Jesus that are relevant for the future age. The disciples can only learn their meaning as they faithfully live the commands of Jesus in their lives day by day....
REFLECTIONS TODAY Jesus tries to dispel the disciples’ sadness. He must leave them so that the Advocate could join them. His return to the Father will facilitate the coming of the Spirit to the disciples: “If I do not go, the Advocate will not come to you.” The word “Advocate” reminds us...
REFLECTIONS TODAY In the difficult task of following him, Jesus announces to the disciples the coming of the Advocate. As this truth-bearing Spirit will testify to Jesus, so must the disciples. The Paraclete is to be sent by the Father at the request of Jesus, so that he comes from both Jesus and...
REFLECTIONS TODAY Today’s Gospel belongs to the farewell conversation of Jesus with his disciples at the Last Supper. Judas’ exit during the meal to betray his teacher officially begins Jesus’ passion. Jesus will be arrested and crucified. At this moment, he informs the disciples of his...
REFLECTIONS TODAY Jesus reminds the disciples again that “no slave is greater than his master.” He foretells his followers what awaits them because they are his disciples. His fate is also their fate. It will not be easy but, in him, trials and difficulties gain new meaning. These are marks or...
REFLECTIONS TODAY The first part of “The Vine and the Branches” passage focuses on the abiding relationship of love that binds the Father, the Son, and the disciples. The second part is today’s Gospel which focuses on the selfless love of the Son by which he lays down his life for his...
REFLECTIONS TODAY In John 15:1-10, Jesus talks of himself as the vine to illustrate his disciples’ union with him. Cut off from the main stem, the branches cannot bear fruit and will eventually die. In like manner, outside one’s intimate relationship with Jesus, one goes fruitless and without...
REFLECTIONS TODAY From the Gospel reading we know that not all experiences of peace are the same. There is the peace that the world gives, and the peace that only Jesus can give. From a worldly perspective, peace is the absence of conflict. Where there is no conflict, there is no suffering. And yet...
REFLECTIONS TODAY As the solemnities of the Ascension and the Pentecost draw near, we feel more intensely the tender tone of Jesus’ farewell conversation with his disciples. Entering deeper into the spirit of the readings, we see how relevant they are in our spiritual life. The assurance Jesus...
REFLECTIONS TODAY In anticipation of the Lord’s Ascension, we read part of Jesus’ last conversations with his disciples. The context is the Last Supper. Judas has just left to betray him. Jesus knows full well that his hour has come. He speaks about his glorification, which for John refers to...
