Beginnings beyond Endings

Dear John,

Jesus spent 40 days on Earth between His Resurrection and His Ascension. Why did He do that? As we will see in today’s Gospel, the God the Father’s plan of Salvation goes beyond Jesus’s loving and obedient act of self-giving on the Cross.

The readings for the Sixth Sunday of Easter can be found here:

First reading: Acts 15:1-2, 22-29

Psalm: 67:2-3, 5-6, 8

Second reading: Revelation 21:10-14, 22-23

Gospel: John 14:23-29

Here is a link to today's daily readings.

Christ knew the effect His death and Resurrection would have on His first followers and was concerned for them. The apostles, greatly distressed by these events were, in a way, confusing endings with beginnings. Haven’t we all done that at tumultuous times in our lives, when we simply cannot see a way forward? Thankfully, however, the eternal Good Shepherd, Jesus, will not lead us where He would not keep us. It is as true for us now as it was for His disciples immediately after His death and Resurrection.

Jesus knew the first apostles would need further support and supernatural instruction in the Faith before being able to fulfill the command to “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations…” (Matthew 28:19). Jesus’ 40 days with His disciples after the Resurrection, followed by the gift of the Holy Spirit, demonstrate a love that still forms and nurtures us - a love that instructs and strengthens us. With that kind of unfailing help from our Lord and Savior, we, His modern disciples, also have the potential to do great things for His Kingdom!

Among EWTN’s faith-filled programs to inspire you this week:

(All programming times listed are Eastern):

May 26th 10:00 PM; May 30th 5:00 AM; May 31st 2:00 PM. Fatima and North America. Witness the reaching impact of the message of Fatima in this moving documentary that visits the North American shrines, schools and hospitals dedicated to Our Lady of Fatima.

May 26th 12:00 AM; May 31st 8:00PM. Saint Joan of Arc: Maid for God. The spiritual life of the extraordinary French heroine whom God called to lead her country into battle. She became a martyr and eventually a saint due to her unshakeable faith.

May 29th 5:30 PM. Benedicta: Marian Chant from Norcia. Experience the daily life of the Benedictine Monks of Norcia and watch as they record their new album Benedicta, which contains ancient, never-before recorded Marian chants.

May you rejoice in the peace of our Risen Lord,

Father Joseph Mary Wolfe, MFVA

EWTN Global Catholic Network

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