June 2, 2025 Monday of the Seventh Week of Easter
Daily Readings: Acts 19: 1-8; John 16: 29-33
Both readings today present powerful themes of faith, understanding, and perseverance in the face of challenges.
Paul arrives at Ephesus and encounters disciples who had received only John’s baptism. After offering clarification, he baptizes them in the powerful name of Jesus. They then receive the Holy Spirit and begin speaking in tongues. This passage emphasizes the fullness of Christian initiation. John’s baptism was one of preparation, but baptism in Jesus — a participation in His life — brings the Holy Spirit with power. Paul gently guides the disciples into a deeper understanding of the truth.
Our faith, too, must become mature and active, moving beyond the periphery to a life filled with the Holy Spirit. It is a call to deepen our openness to the transformative presence of the Spirit — to move from preparation to full participation in the life of God.
Today’s Gospel offers a gentle yet powerful assurance of Jesus in the midst of trouble. He knows that the disciples’ confidence is sincere and honest, but fragile. He comforts them, gently warns them, and assures them of His peace, empowering them with the Holy Spirit. Jesus’ victory over the world is not a promise of a trouble-free life, but a hope-filled assurance of the ultimate victory in which we share. In this way, Jesus remains our unshakable foundation.
It is worth highlighting the difference between initial faith and mature discipleship. The Ephesian disciples needed the Spirit; the disciples of Jesus needed perseverance. This reminds us that faith is a journey. Christ walks with us, and the Holy Spirit empowers us along the way.
Call to Action:
- Are there areas where your faith is incomplete?
- Do you seek the guidance of the Spirit in times of trouble and tribulation?
Radio Veritas Asia (RVA), a media platform of the Catholic Church, aims to share Christ. RVA started in 1969 as a continental Catholic radio station to serve Asian countries in their respective local language, thus earning the tag “the Voice of Asian Christianity.” Responding to the emerging context, RVA embraced media platforms to connect with the global Asian audience via its 21 language websites and various social media platforms.
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