THE WORD BECAME FLESH

Thursday of the Sixth Week of Easter, 2023 

Acts 18:1-8

Ps 47

John 16:16-20

A little while

We heard a few days ago in the first reading that when Paul went to Philippi and preached the gospel he was offered hospitality by one of the women who responded to Paul’s preaching, Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth. According to today’s first reading (Acts 18:1-8), when Paul entered Corinth he received hospitality from a Jewish Christian married couple, Aquila and Priscilla. Paul would have understood that it was the Lord who was supporting him in and through these people who offered him hospitality when he was most in need of it. Paul experienced the presence of the risen Lord at the heart of his life and work. 

In the gospel reading (Jn 16:16-20), Jesus tells his disciples that in a short time, they will no longer see him, and then in a short time later they will see him again. Jesus will be taken from them in death, but he will return to them when he is raised from the dead, and, having returned, he will remain with them as they engage in the work of witnessing to him. He will be with them above all in and through the members of the faith community. This was Paul’s experience; Paul experienced the Lord’s presence, especially in and through those who supported him and stood by him. 

This can be our experience too. The risen Lord stands at the heart of our day-to-day life. He journeys with us as he journeyed with the two disciples on the road to Emmaus. He comes to us in and through the members of his body. He comes to bring us hope when we are downhearted, to give us strength in our weakness, and to bring us joy in our sorrow. This is the good news of Easter which we are celebrating at this time.

Let us pray: Father, pour out the Spirit in my life like a tidal wave. Carry me in the Spirit anywhere you wish. Amen.

+Remain blessed