Reading and meditation on the Word of God, Tuesday of the 6th week of Easter, May 28, 2019. Acts of the Apostles 16, 22-34; John 16, 5-11. Voice: Peter sdb (Gospel) and Maria Fe Silva FMA (meditation)
The theme of the meditation today is: Trial For The World. Why is there a trial against the world? The court rules out a just trial for the injustices that are happening in the world. Injustice is a big sin of people who live a worldly life-style. The tragedies of war, hunger, corruption and sexual abuse are among the many injustices that contribute to the damages of life that our world today has.
Jesus Christ specifically mentions the task of the Holy Spirit as a judge, “when He comes, He will convict the world”. The spiritual jugde comes into a condition of the world that had been renewed through the events of Jesus Christ. The Paschal events presented Jesus, the apostles and the Early Church as the true witnesses of what is right, good and just that need to be maintained. A life that is right, good and just does not disappear after Jesus’ death and ascension into heaven.
The Holy Spirit continues to live through this course of life. He teaches and operates the court so that we who have faith may open our inner and physical eyes, to justify what sin is and where grace stands. The heavenly court does not use the law enforcement of this world, which are full of compromises and corruptions. The Holy Spirit does not have flesh and bones, so He will certainly conduct His judgement fairly and wisely.
The Spirit will make every believer and the whole world know for certain about sin. Sin is an act against God, namely not believing in Jesus Christ sent by the Father. The consequence of not accepting God is not being able to enjoy happines and eternal dwelling in God. Sin brings misery to life in this world and must be more miserable in the hereafter.
The Holy Spirit also shows what truth, goodness and justice are. Jesus himself lived in that manner and he did defend it to the point of His death. Leaving this world as already graced with the the gift of salvation, Jesus headed to the Father in heaven. His truth liberates, just like a liberation offered to Paul and Silas from imprisonment as told in the first reading of today’s liturgy. This is what we need to follow, which is an eternal gain that is to live with the Father in heaven.
The Holy Spirit opens the eyes of the whole world that the judgment for sinners is undeniable. Sinners, and especially the scandal makers who have plunged many people into sin, must be rewarded with extraordinary punishment. They have no place in God. Let us be the people who are firm to the truth and obedient to the Holy Spirit.
Let’s pray. In the name of the Father … O God Almighty, we are grateful for Your Son Jesus Christ who enlightens us in the divine justice. May we sincerely open ourselves to receive the Holy Spirit that we may remain in the path of truth, the way of Jesus Christ Himself. Hail Mary … In the name of the Father …