6th Sunday of Easter | Year A

Mass Readings

First Reading: Acts 8:5-8, 14-17
Second Reading: 1 Peter 3:15-18
Gospel Reading: John 14:15-21

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“Parting is such sweet sorrow”, said Juliet to her lover Romeo in Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. While it hurts to say goodbye to someone special, it is nonetheless sweet for Juliet because it makes them think about the next time they will see each other again. As a Bedan teacher for two years now, I experience moments of “sweet sorrow” (more like Black Sorrow at times... pun intended) at the end of each school year. This year hits different, though, for I witness my Grade 10 students head off to Senior High School—many of whom will leave San Beda for other schools. The silver lining, however, is that there's a chance that I get to see some of them again around either España or Taft (on account of my Thomasian and, at present, Lasallian studies). It is something that I am really looking forward to as I move on to Season 3 (and hopefully, towards permanency).

Such sweet sorrow is also felt by Christ and his disciples in today’s Gospel Reading (John 14:15-21), knowing that Christ’s earthly mission will soon draw to a close. But then, Christ reassured them: “I will not leave you orphans”. They may no longer see Him physically again, but His spiritual presence will remain. So He promised that an Advocate—the Holy Spirit—will be sent to them by the Father to help them in continuing the work that Christ began.

On the day of our Confirmation, we too have received the gift of the Holy Spirit. As we wait for Christ’s coming again in glory, we pray that the Holy Spirit will guide, strengthen, and comfort us in everything we do. And to my beloved Grade 10 students: our journey may have drawn to a close and we are now parting ways, but always remember that God is always with you as you journey onward to Senior High School—and beyond. Gambatte, padayon, and hope to see y'all again soon.

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Let us pray.

Grant, almighty God, that we may celebrate with heartfelt devotion these days of joy, which we keep in honor of the risen Lord, and that what we relive in remembrance we may always hold to in what we do. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen.

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Hymn of the Day

I AM EVER WITH YOU

Words and Music:    Rev. Fr. Arnel dC. Aquino, SJ (1966–        )

 

Do not let your hearts be troubled,

do not stay afraid.

It is really I who you see,

I offer you all my peace.

I have waited for this moment,

to be with you again

In my heart you'll remain,

in your heart I'll stay.

Refrain:

    I am with you till the end of your days;

    I am with you, have faith

    that I hold you, even when you let go

    and I love you, you must know 

    I am here, I am ever with you.

Do not let your hearts be troubled,

do not stay afraid.

I'm beyond all anguish or death,

I'm risen to life anew.

When you feel that you've been emptied,

and can give no more,

know that I am your breath, and I fill your soul.

        I am with you till the end of your days...

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