for May 25
Monday of the Seventh Week of Easter

will become problematic when some Corinthians reject Paul in favor of the more eloquent Apollos. Paul goes to Ephesus, where subsequently the Christian community there will be a letter recipient. First, however, Paul seemed to have sensed something awry about the few disciples he found there. When asked, they not only reply they have not received the Holy Spirit, they admit to never even having heard of a Holy Spirit! It turns out they were disciples of John the Baptist who preached repentance, as Jesus did, but who also of course stressed belief in Jesus as “the one who was to come after him.” The twelve or so Ephesian disciples then undergo Christian baptism and receive the Holy Spirit as Paul imposes hands on them. This is still done today, though in a more symbolic fashion, during the sacrament of Confirmation. Paul then begins to evangelize others, propounding the kingdom or reign of God.

In the gospel, the disciples once again think they have Jesus all figured out, correctly believing that Jesus came from God or, as one author puts it, is the “only true revealer” of God. But the belief still seems superficial, not requiring any further inquiry on their part. So, Jesus challenges their belief, rightly predicting they will abandon him as they will do when he submits to his passion and death. But through it all the Father will be with him; everything that will happen is part of the divine plan. Thus, the end result for the disciples will be peace, the peace Jesus will offer them after his resurrection.

Jesus concludes by warning them (and us) of a troubling world, here again as a symbol of all that is opposed to God. But it is a world that Jesus’ salvific death and resurrection has already conquered, and so Jesus encourages the disciples and us to have courage.

On this Memorial Day, as we call to mind those who have given their lives in defense of our nation, let us offer the following prayer also for the health care professionals who during the pandemic have lost their lives in service of others.

In the quiet sanctuaries of our own hearts, let us call on the One whose power over us is great and gentle, firm and forgiving, holy and healing. You who created us, who sustain us, who call us to live in peace, hear our prayer this day. Hear our prayer for all who have died, whose hearts and hopes are known to you alone. Hear our prayer for those who put the good of others ahead of their own and give us hearts as generous as theirs. Hear our prayer for those who gave their lives in the service of others and accept the gift of their sacrifice. Comfort those who grieve the loss of their loved ones and let your healing be the hope in their hearts. Hear our prayer this day and in your mercy answer us in the name of all that is holy. Amen.

—Edward O’Donnell SJ

Today’s readings can be found on the US Conference of Catholic Bishops website.