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Gospel Reading for May 11, 2026 – John 15: 26 – 16: 4a
SHAMEFUL
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.”
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Truly, the experiences of the early Christians, as seen in the Acts of the Apostles, seem almost unbearable. Without the Holy Spirit—the Advocate—one wonders how they would be able to endure such suffering and persecution while remaining steadfast in their faithfulness to God.
How SHAMEFUL it is, then, when we consider going to Church on Sundays a burden, especially in light of all that the early Christians endured. How SHAMEFUL it is when we eagerly make time for parties, outings, and entertainment, yet lack enthusiasm for the Eucharistic Celebration. How SHAMEFUL it is to hesitate to offer just one hour to God, when we still keep the other 167 hours of the week for ourselves. And how SHAMEFUL it is that after receiving grace upon grace throughout the week, we still fail to set aside time to thank God together with our Church community.
Forgive us, Lord, for the times we have been too lazy or indifferent to spend even one hour with you and our Church community on Sundays.
