Monday of the Sixth Week of Easter, May 11, 2026

Gospel

John 15:26—16:4a

Jesus said to his disciples:

"When the Advocate comes whom I will send you from the Father,

the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father,

he will testify to me.

And you also testify,

because you have been with me from the beginning.

"I have told you this so that you may not fall away.

They will expel you from the synagogues;

in fact, the hour is coming when everyone who kills you

will think he is offering worship to God.

They will do this because they have not known either the Father or me.

I have told you this so that when their hour comes

you may remember that I told you."

Reflection

In this Gospel, Jesus speaks some harsh truths. He warns the disciples that they will face persecution because of their faith saying..."They will expel you from the synagogues; in fact, the hour is coming when everyone who kills you will think he is offering worship to God. They will do this because they have not known either the Father or me". This part of this Gospel really reminded me of Jesus’ words on the cross when He said, “Father, forgive them, they know not what they do". The people Jesus speaks about are those who are lost or have fallen away, people who genuinely believe they are doing what is right even when opposing His followers. Their actions come from not truly knowing the Father or understanding who Jesus is. I think this challenges us to consider encounters in our own lives when our faith has been tested and how we chose to respond. Did we respond with hatred and anger, or with the same forgiveness and compassion that Jesus showed? This warning is also not given to frighten His disciples, but to prepare them. He knows that struggles and doubts will shake their faith, but He reassures them that they will not face these trials alone because the Holy Spirit will be there to guide and strengthen them.