PRI Reflections on Scripture | Memorial of Saint Philip Neri, Priest

Join Msgr. Don Fischer as he reads and delivers a short reflection on today’s gospel, followed by 3 1/2 minutes of contemplative music and a closing prayer. Msgr. Don hopes that today’s reflection on the gospel will empower you to carry the Word in your heart throughout the day.

Choose either the video or audio below.

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

I try to put my mind in the place of the disciples minds and thinking, they're so excited about the teaching that Jesus has given them.

And they have no real idea of what it's like to teach what Jesus is taught them. And so Jesus caring for them as he does, he wants so much for them to recognize that things are going to be very, very difficult. But I want you to know, that I've told you this to prepare you for it, and I will be with you.

The advocate will be with you.

Closing Prayer

Father, to speak the truth is never been easy, especially when there are people living the lie. Bless us with the kind of conviction that we need to have of what is true, and help us to be strong, and to proclaim it with the conviction that it is the very necessary thing that we have to have in order to find peace. And we ask this in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Kyle Cross