Monday Reading

Acts 5:34-42
But a Pharisee in the Sanhedrin named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law, respected by all the people, stood up, ordered the men to be put outside for a short time, and said to them, “Fellow Israelites, be careful what you are about to do to these men. Some time ago, Theudas appeared, claiming to be someone important, and about four hundred men joined him, but he was killed, and all those who were loyal to him were disbanded and came to nothing. After him came Judas the Galilean at the time of the census. He also drew people after him, but he too perished and all who were loyal to him were scattered. So now I tell you, have nothing to do with these men, and let them go. For if this endeavor or this activity is of human origin, it will destroy itself. But if it comes from God, you will not be able to destroy them; you may even find yourselves fighting against God.” They were persuaded by him. After recalling the apostles, they had them flogged, ordered them to stop speaking in the name of Jesus, and dismissed them. So they left the presence of the Sanhedrin, rejoicing that they had been found worthy to suffer dishonor for the sake of the name. And all day long, both at the temple and in their homes, they did not stop teaching and proclaiming the Messiah, Jesus.

John 16:5-11
But now I am going to the one who sent me, and not one of you asks me, ‘Where are you going?’ But because I told you this, grief has filled your hearts. But I tell you the truth, it is better for you that I go. For if I do not go, the Advocate will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you. And when he comes he will convict the world in regard to sin and righteousness and condemnation: sin, because they do not believe in me; righteousness, because I am going to the Father and you will no longer see me; condemnation, because the ruler of this world has been condemned.

PRAYER – Sedro from the Hoosoyo for Ramsho for the Memorial of an Apostle according to the Prayer of the Faithful of the Maronite Rite
The apostles of the Gospel, carriers of good news, and guides of the people scattered the darkness of error by the teaching of truth. They implanted in our hearts the virtues of faith, hope and love, and endured shipwrecks, prison, torture and persecution for the sake of their mission. In witness of Christ and His Resurrection, they sacrificed their lives and shed their blood; their death has gained for them the crown of glory and eternal life. O God, You crown Your just ones with holiness and reward Your apostles with glory, accept the fragrance of our incense and our prayers on this day of the memorial of Your apostle, Saint Jude Thaddeus. Grant us his apostolic zeal; guide us in the way of his holiness; make us imitate his virtues and follow in his footsteps. Following his example, may we worship You alone, proclaim Your glory by our conduct and teach Your truth. In this world and the next, we will praise You, now and forever. Amen.

St. Jude, pray for us.

Is my Church participation from human origin or from Divine origin? Is my charity from human origin or from Divine origin? Do I have faith or am I just involved in a cultural or social club? If I am Maronite because of God’s inspiration then I will persevere. If I am Maronite because of some cultural or social reason then when things get tough and when parish life gets difficult, I will leave. If I am a Christian because my great grandfather was Christian then I am easily scattered. However, if I know the Advocate, if I commune with the Holy Spirit in me then He will convict me and I will have a strong faith which cannot be scattered. Jesus sends the Holy Spirit to us, for us, so that we might rejoice even in times of trouble and never cease proclaiming the Messiah by our words and actions.