"THE NAME OF JESUS IS THE GLORY OF PREACHERS,

BECAUSE THE SHINING SPLENDOR OF THAT NAME

CAUSES HIS WORD TO BE PROCLAIMED AND HEARD."

                    - Saint Bernardino of Siena 

 

 ＊＊＊ 1st Reading ＊＊＊   

Acts 20:28-38

Keep watch over

Yourselves, and over the whole flock the Holy Spirit has placed into your care.

Shepherd the Church of the Lord that he has won, at the price of his own blood.

I know that, after I leave, ruthless wolves will come among you and not spare the flock.

And, from among you, some will arise, corrupting the truth, and inducing the disciples to follow them.

 

Be on the watch, therefore, remembering that, for three years, night and day,

I did not cease to warn everyone, even with tears. Now, I commend you to God, and to his gracefilled word,

which is able to make you grow and gain the inheritance that you shall share with all the saints.

I have not looked for anyone's silver, gold or clothing. You, yourselves,

know that these hands of mine have provided for both my needs and the needs of those who were with me.

 

In every way, I have shown you that by working hard one must help the weak,

remembering the words that the Lord Jesus himself said, 'Happiness lies more in giving than in receiving."

After this discourse, Paul knelt down with them and prayed. Then, they all began to weep and threw their arms.

around him and kissed him. They were deeply distressed because he had said that they would never see him again.

And they went with him even to the ship.

 

Ps 68:29-30, 33-35a, 35bc-36ab

 Sing to God, O kingdoms of the earth

 

＊＊＊ Gospel ＊＊＊      

John 17:11b-19

Holy Father, keep those you have given me in your name, so that they may be one, as we also are.

When I was with them, I kept them safe in your name; and not one was lost,

except the one who was already lost, and in this, the Scripture was fulfilled.

And now I come to you; in the world I speak these things,

so that those whom you gave me, might have joy – all my joy within themselves.

 

I have given them your word; and the world has hated them, because they are not of the world,

just as I am not of the world, I do not ask you to remove them from the world, but to keep them from the evil one.

They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. Consecrate them in the truth.

Your word is truth. I have sent them into the world as you sent me into the world;

and for their sake, I go to the sacrifice by which I am consecrated, so that they too may be consecrated in truth.

 

Gospel Reflection ：

He will sanctify us in his truth,

The first reading is worth reflecting on today. St. Paul testified, "And from among you, some will arise,

corrupting the truth and enticing the disciples to follow." This remains very relevant even today.

We spread false news and gossip within our own families, circles of friends, and among neighbors.

St. Paul recognized that even within the flock of Christ, people would manipulate and distort the truth.

 

The only thing they do is spread gossip and lies to create division. However,

although we may sometimes be instruments for such gossip,

Jesus reminds us in the Gospel that he will sanctify us in his truth.

Since the word of God is truth, it does not cause division. The word of God is never gossip;

it is always Good News. Therefore, we carry God's word with us today as we interact with others.

Today, we spread values and positivity, not gossip or lies, to unite us in God's truth.