Date: May 6, 2020 ()

Bible Text: First Reading: Acts 12:24 – 13:5A; Gospel: John 12:44-50 |

Series:

If this little contribution I do can serve as light to these dark times, no matter how little, I will keep it burning.

The first reading today opens to us another encouraging report: “The word of God continued to spread and grow.” It’s great news to the church but definitely not to the persecutors. The reality was that as the number of conversions continued to rise, persecution as well continued to intensify. But the Holy Spirit, the Advocate, just as Jesus promised them, was always with them. He was there as a source of consolation and guidance. As they were fasting and praying, the Holy Spirit said: “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” The focus was not how and where to hide. The disciples rather paid closer attention to where they would go.

Jesus in the gospel today discloses to us the truth of his mission—that His mission was not only His own—He was “sent” by His Father. This was where Jesus drew strength and sense of purpose. Nobody could hinder His cause because He was only fulfilling the wish of the One who was greater than anybody else in the world. Despite different types of accusations and distractions, He remained faithful to the truth and never lost sight of the Father’s will. True to His mission, Jesus came as the Light; and the disciples by the prompting of the Holy Spirit participated in the spreading of this Light.

Pope Francis in his recent homily pleads us: “Let us pray together for men and women who work in the media. They have risked much and worked tirelessly during this pandemic. May the Lord help them always in their task to transmit the truth.” In this time of pandemic, the Pope tirelessly encourages the whole world to pray. While at prayer, He also keeps on letting the world know that we have heroes in the frontlines. He is always letting us know that there is the Light of Christ burning in the midst of this darkness and uncertainty through the courage and dedication of our best scientists and doctors, and nurses and caregivers, and our government leaders. And, we pray for all of them that may continue to devote their lives for this ministry of healing.

I will continue to celebrate Mass and faithfully remind people of the greatness of God. If this little contribution I do can serve as light to these dark times, no matter how little, I will keep it burning.