Author: regan.ocd

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TUESDAY, SIXTH WEEK OF EASTER

 

Acts 16: 22-34                        Ps 138: 1-3, 7-8                      Jn 16: 5-11

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THE RESURRECTION TRANSFORMS

We continue to ponder the profound mystery of the resurrection of the Lord, and the readings of today testify to the power of this mystery in transforming and enriching the hearts of people from all walks of life, even that of a hardened jailer. Luke’s narrative in the first reading takes place in Philippi (modern-day Turkey), where Paul and Silas were proclaiming their experience of the Risen Lord and its radical impact on their lives. When their opponents lacking substantive arguments resorted to violence, the missionaries endured a severe beating with remarkable composure. Thrown into the prison’s innermost cell, they responded not with despair but with prayers and hymns, as if celebrating a great blessing.

Suddenly, an earthquake shook the foundations of the prison, throwing open all its doors. The jailer, presuming that all the prisoners had escaped and dreading punishment, prepared to take his life. At that critical moment came Paul’s cry: “Do not harm yourself; we are all here!” This extraordinary act of integrity on the part of these prisoners shocked the jailer, and became for him his moment of conversion. Encountering the power of the resurrection in this experience, he asked for the gift of salvation.

This is evangelization. It is the fruit of authentic Christian witness. As Jesus declared, the world will recognize his disciples not by miracles but by their resemblance to Him. The Gospel passage of today confirms that the power of Christian witnessing that draws people to Christ and His Gospel of salvation is by the Holy Spirit, who teaches the world of the destructiveness of sin, reveals the way of true righteousness, and prepares souls for the final judgment. Today, we are called to cling to the Risen Lord, allowing our lives to become living Gospels that testify to the transforming experience of the resurrection. Like Paul and Silas, may our steadfast joy in adversity become the most compelling testimony to the victory of Christ over sin and death.

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Response: With your right hand you save me, O Lord.

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Copyright ©2025 ©Springs of Living Water  http://springs.carmelmedia.in

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MONDAY, SIXTH WEEK OF EASTER

 

Memorial of Saint Philip Neri

 

Acts 16: 11-15                        Ps 149: 1-6, 9             Jn 15: 26 — 16: 4

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JOY IS THE HALLMARK OF FAITH

In the first reading, Lydia’s heart is opened by the Lord to the message of Paul, leading her to embrace the faith and share her joy through hospitality. This act of welcoming Paul into her home illustrates how joy can foster community and connection, reflecting the essence of the Gospel. Similarly, in the passage of the gospel, Jesus speaks of the coming of the Holy Spirit, who will guide and comfort the disciples, emphasizing that true joy is rooted in the presence of God in their lives. The joy that Lydia experiences upon receiving the Good News mirrors the joy that Jesus promises to His followers, a joy that transcends circumstances and is anchored in divine love.

In a world plagued by trials and suffering, the joy that springs from faith can serve as a beacon of hope. St. Philip Neri, whose feast is celebrated today, understood that true joy comes from a relationship with God, and he sought to share this joy with everyone he encountered. He believed that a joyful heart is more easily made perfect than a downcast one. This perspective is particularly relevant today, as many face challenges that can lead to despair and hopelessness.

Today as we celebrate the feast of St. Philip Neri, let his life inspire all of us. He is often referred to as the “Apostle of Joy,” as he embodied a vibrant faith that radiated happiness and hope, encouraging those around him to embrace the joy of the Gospel. Let joy be the hallmark of our faith, nourishing our relationships and promoting fraternity and a sense of community. Our world is in great need of the light of joy to illuminate the path for others to follow. Let us ask for the intercession of St. Philip Neri, that we may cultivate joy in our hearts and share it generously with those around us, becoming instruments of God’s love and peace in the world.

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Response: The Lord takes delight in his people.

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Copyright ©2025 ©Springs of Living Water  http://springs.carmelmedia.in

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SUNDAY, SIXTH SUNDAY OF EASTER

 

Acts 15: 1-2, 22-29             Ps 67          Rv 21: 10-14, 22-23               Jn 14: 23-29

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THE PROOF OF LOVE

 

In the classical movie Fiddler on the Roof, the protagonist Tevye asks his wife Golde, “Golde, do you love me?” Her response offers an interesting insight into the nature of true love. She replies, “Do I love you? For 25 years I’ve washed your clothes, cooked your meals, cleaned your house, given you children, milked your cow… if that’s not love, what is?”

 

True love is not merely an emotion or a verbal expression; it manifests itself in concrete action. When we love someone, we seek to do what pleases them. We strive to fulfil their will. Imagine if Jesus were to call you by name today and ask, “My child, do you love me?” How would you respond? Would you say, “Lord, I attend Mass every day, I fast on Fridays and I spend time in prayer and meditation”? While these are important spiritual practices, they alone do not prove our love for God. Jesus reminds us: “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven” (Mt 7:21). What is the will of God? How do we truly prove to Him our love?

 

The answer is found in today’s Gospel, where Jesus declares: “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” Genuine love for Jesus is demonstrated by obedience to His commandments. And what is His greatest commandment? The commandment of love. St. John reinforces this truth: “If anyone says, ‘I love God,’ but hates his brother, he is a liar; for whoever does not love a brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen.” (1 Jn 4:20)

 

Jesus makes three promises to those who love Him in this way:

 

1. The Gift of the Holy Spirit – “I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate to be with you always, the Spirit of truth.” (Jn 14:16) The Holy Spirit is our guide on life’s journey, enabling us to live a holy and virtuous life. St. Paul tells us that “the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” (Gal 5:22-23) The Holy Spirit also helps us in prayer: “For we do not know how to pray as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with sighs too deep for words.” (Rom 8:26)

 

2. Union with God – “You will realize that I am in my Father and you are in me and I in you.” (Jn 14:20) From childhood, we are taught in catechism that God made us to know, love, and serve Him so that we may be with Him forever. Our ultimate purpose is to be one with God and to experience His presence dwelling within us. Everything else in life is secondary to this divine union.

 

3. The Experience of God’s Love – “Whoever loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and reveal myself to him.” (Jn 14:21) When we live in intimate communion with God, we experience the depths of His love. “God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him.” (1 Jn 4:16)

 

How can we love one another as Jesus loves us?

 

1. Loving like Jesus means loving unconditionally. Jesus’ love is ‘agape’ – a selfless, unconditional love that does not depend on the other person’s actions or worthiness.

 

2. Loving like Jesus means accepting others as they are. It means embracing people with their strengths and weaknesses without judgment or condemnation, helping them become the best version of themselves.

 

3. Loving like Jesus means forgiving always. Jesus calls us to forgive, to pray for those who persecute us, and to will the good of even those who try to harm us.

 

When you love someone in this way, you will go out of your way to make them happy. You will be ready to sacrifice your time, energy, and resources for their well-being. Jesus loved us so much that He sacrificed His life for us. Today, He invites us to go and do likewise: “Love one another as I have loved you” (Jn 15:12).

 

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Response: Let the peoples praise you, O God; let all the peoples praise you!

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Copyright ©2025 ©Springs of Living Water  http://springs.carmelmedia.in

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SATURDAY, FIFTH WEEK OF EASTER

 

Acts 16: 1-10              Ps 100: 1-3, 5                         Jn 15: 18-21

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LOVE, IN A WORLD OF HATRED

In 1895 the French Church joyously welcomed the news of Diana Vaughan, a new convert to Catholicism from Satanism and Freemasonry. Diana was portrayed in the Catholic press as a new Joan of Arc, fighting against the forces of evil and hatred. Her devotional writings were widely circulated and were received even by the Lisieux Carmel with great joy, enthusiasm and expectation. As a sign of appreciation and encouragement, the Prioress herself sent a personal note to Diana along with a picture of some of the nuns enacting a play of Joan of Arc. So renowned had the conversion and transformation become that it even reached the years of the Pope. Shortly thereafter, however, at a highly publicized press conference, Leo Taxil, Diana’s friend and spokesperson, mockingly revealed that Diana was only a fabrication to embarrass the Catholic Church and highlight how superficial and naive Catholic piety is. As an example of this foolishness, the same picture of the Lisieux nuns was projected in the background and appeared in the papers in the photo of Taxil the following day. A simple, genuine gesture of love was rewarded with bitter humiliation and betrayal.

Hatred, which Jesus cautioned his disciples would be their lot as was His own, comes in many shades: betrayal, discrimination, injustice, cruelty, harassment, torture and violence. The warning verses follow immediately after his command to “love one another.” Love is not always reciprocated with love. Yet, we are called to follow in the footsteps of our Lord because there is a promise attached to it. Love, bear fruit, and the Father will give whatever you ask. Taxil may have mocked the Christian faith. But he didn’t have the last word. In that picture of the Lisieux Carmel, Joan of Arc was played by the future St Therese, who would be instrumental in the conversion of several unnamed real-life Diana’s. Hatred may seem powerful for a short time, but it can never overcome love. In the end Love alone triumphs.

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Response: Cry out with joy to the Lord all the earth.

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Copyright ©2025 ©Springs of Living Water  http://springs.carmelmedia.in

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FRIDAY, FIFTH WEEK OF EASTER

 

Acts 15:22-31             Ps 57:8-10,12             Jn 15:12-17

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THE VALUE OF CHARITABLE PRESENCE

In the first reading we see how the apostles, the elders and the whole church community gather together in order to choose someone to carry a letter from them to the church in Antioch. Once the church had come to its decision, they acted with efficiency and courtesy. The letter was sent by no common messenger; it was entrusted to Judas and Silas, two of their own, who accompanied Paul and Barnabas to Antioch. The Church was wise in sending messengers as well as a letter. The chosen apostles not only carried the letter but their presence too. The words of Judas and Silas added a friendly warmth that the bare reception of a letter could not have achieved.

Many troubles can be avoided and a lot of good can be done if we choose to make personal visits rather than simply sending letters or messages. This is something we ourselves have experienced – the comforting visit of a dear one in times of illness, the compassionate listening of a friend in times of sadness. These acts of charitable presence bring great joy and consolation. Today, Jesus invites each of us to extend this same personal care to our neighbours.

In the Gospel passage, we hear Jesus exhorting his disciples to the new commandment of love. The love of the Lord is creative and transformative. It is not that of a master towards his servant; “a servant does not know his master’s business. I call you friends because I have made known to you everything…” Furthermore, it is fruitful; because of it, we can love others. “We love because He first loved us” (1 John 4:19). It is the enduring love of God that sustains, nourishes and inspires us and makes it possible for us to be channels of love to others, inviting them to enjoy the intimate life with Jesus. “This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.”

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Response: I will praise you, Lord, among the peoples.

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Copyright ©2025 ©Springs of Living Water  http://springs.carmelmedia.in

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THURSDAY, FIFTH WEEK OF EASTER

 

Acts 15: 7-21              Ps 96: 1-3,10              Jn 15: 9-11

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HIS ABIDING LOVE

 

The readings of today invite us to re-examine our understanding of obedience to God’s commandments. For Jesus, obedience meant “abiding in His Father’s love” – an experience He describes as joyful. His perfect obedience to the Father was not burdensome but a source of profound joy, and He extends this same invitation to us. When we obey, our hearts become lighter and more joyful. Of course, doubts may arise; ‘ifs,’ ‘buts,’ and other questions may cloud our minds. Yet Jesus calls us to focus not on these distractions but to simply “abide in His love.” Each act of obedience strengthens us for the next, like stepping stones forming a path. We obey His commandments one step at a time, always sheltered by His abiding love. This divine love actively pursues us when we wander or grow stagnant. When we falter in obedience, His love draws us back, offering fresh opportunities to experience the fullness of His joy.

 

The Gospel passage of the day reveals God’s love in its purest form. Jesus cannot love partially; He loves us completely, just as the Father loves Him. He shares with us His perfect joy, ultimately giving His life on the cross. In loving the Father perfectly, He loves you and me without reserve. This truth compels self-examination: Can I honestly say I love every person around me without compromise or exception? If the answer is “no,” let us echo the tax collector’s prayer in the Temple (c.f. Luke 18:13): “Lord, I am a sinner”.

 

The Eucharistic presence, in the tabernacle and at Holy Mass, stands as the living memorial of His abiding love. Here, Christ remains ready to share His very self whenever we approach Him. With Mary as our model, let us cultivate a living faith in His real presence. May we allow ourselves to be united with Him completely, becoming vessels of His joy and love to all around us.

 

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Response: Tell among all the peoples the wonders of the Lord.

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Copyright ©2025 ©Springs of Living Water  http://springs.carmelmedia.in

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WEDNESDAY, FIFTH WEEK OF EASTER

 

Acts 15: 1-6                Ps 122: 1-5                 Jn 15: 1-8

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BEING BRANCHES OF CHRIST THE VINE

 

The readings of today remind us that Jesus alone makes us whole. Against the argument of the men from Judaea in the first reading about the necessity of the physical sign of circumcision for salvation, in the Gospel passage Jesus affirms that we become God’s children not through external signs but through communion with Him. His living Word grafts us into God’s family. Jesus offers us the beautiful image of interconnected vines – lush, life-giving, and mutually sustaining. He is the true Vine; we are the branches. What matters is believing His words, trusting their power, and surrendering to their transformative grace.

 

God seeks not outward signs but authentic heart transformation. The apostles exemplify this after the Resurrection – their fears overcome, their lives remade. This “circumcision of the heart” (Romans 2:29) signifies the spiritual renewal God desires for us all. Like pruned branches, we’re called to yield spiritual fruit through our God-given gifts. The warning is loud and clear: unfruitful branches face pruning. Yet this is not about punishment but divine cultivation; in other words, it is an invitation to deeper communion. Unlike the first reading’s preoccupation with technicalities, our call is simpler: to remain joyfully attached to Christ, the source of all meaning.

 

The imagery of the vine and branches reveals a profound sacramental reality: our connection to Christ is as tangible as sap flowing through living wood. Just as vines share one lifeblood, we receive divine life through the Eucharist – the “sap” of grace nourishing our souls. Our world, parched for authentic love, desperately needs vines heavy with Gospel fruit. In His vine, no branch is superior; all are equal in His binding love. Each branch, whether hidden in cloisters or extending into workplaces, matters equally in God’s vineyard. As we abide in Christ through prayer and the Eucharist, we become living sacraments of His abiding presence. The harvest depends on our willingness to remain in His love.

 

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Response: Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord

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Copyright ©2025 ©Springs of Living Water  http://springs.carmelmedia.in

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TUESDAY, FIFTH WEEK OF EASTER

 

Acts 14: 19-28                        Ps 145: 10-13, 21                   Jn 14: 27-31

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COURAGE AND PEACE

 

In the first reading, we hear about how Paul was stoned and left for dead in Lystra; yet he miraculously survived and continued his journey, strengthening the disciples in the cities he visited. His unshakable faith and commitment to spreading the Gospel in the face of such obstacles inspire us to persevere in our own challenges. The courage of Paul teaches us that obstacles are not the end but opportunities to grow in faith and to witness to God’s love.

 

The message of peace in the Gospel passage taken from John provides further encouragement. Jesus, in his final discourse with the disciples, offers them a peace that the world cannot give. He tells them not to be troubled or afraid, for he has overcome the world. This peace is not the absence of obstacles but the presence of God’s grace and assurance in the midst of them. Jesus acknowledges that hardships will come, but his peace will remain a constant source of strength.

 

Today, we are urged to live with courage and perseverance, just like Paul. We are often tempted to give up when things get tough, but Paul shows us that being rooted in faith can help us overcome even the most trying circumstances. We are not alone in our struggles; God walks with us, giving us the strength to carry on. Furthermore, we are invited to seek in times of uncertainty the peace that only Christ can offer, a peace that is born from a firm trust in God’s providence, and bears the fruit of courage to face life’s storms with hope and faith. Let us therefore embrace the peace of Christ and the courage of St. Paul. Let us remember that, like Paul, we are called to rise again after every fall and continue on the path of faith. In doing so, we will carry the light of Christ into the world, bringing peace and hope to those around us.

 

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Response: Your friends make known, O Lord, the glory of your reign.

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Copyright ©2025 ©Springs of Living Water  http://springs.carmelmedia.in

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MONDAY, FIFTH WEEK OF EASTER

 

Acts 14:5-18               Ps 115: 1-4,15-16                   Jn 14:21-26

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LIVING ICONS OF TRINITARIAN LOVE

 

As we journey through this Easter season, we are invited to experience the transformative love of the Risen Lord, a love so radical that He sacrificed Himself to free us from sin. Christ’s death on the cross embodies the ultimate love He described: “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” This divine love initiative comes from God the Father, who continually cares for us and guides us through His Son. Christ’s teachings remain eternally relevant, perfectly suited for every circumstance, era, and culture. They never mislead but always direct us toward truth and life.

 

The first reading presents Paul and Barnabas performing miracles through the power of the Risen Lord, only to be mistaken for pagan deities. Paul seizes this misunderstanding as a teaching moment, revealing the true God who lovingly sustains creation. Similarly, in today’s Gospel, Jesus reveals the profound unity between Himself and the Father. Keeping His commandments means loving Him, and loving Him means loving the Father. This reciprocal love becomes complete when the Father and Son send the Advocate; i.e., the Holy Spirit who dwells within the hearts of all who believe.

 

This is the Easter mystery we’re called to live: The Father’s love is incarnated in Christ and perpetuated through the Spirit, who continues Christ’s presence, moving us to love others divinely. To refuse the Spirit is to reject Christ and the Father. As Easter people, we become living icons of Trinitarian love when we welcome the Spirit’s promptings, embody Christ’s self giving love in relationships, and proclaim the Father’s mercy through word and deed. This is our Easter mission – to become sacraments of the Trinity’s love in our wounded world. Today, let this prayer rise from our hearts as we continue to rejoice in the mystery of Easter: Come, Holy Spirit, fill our hearts with the love of the Risen Christ, that we may radiate the Father’s mercy to all we meet.

 

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Response: Not to us, O Lord, but to your name give the glory.

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Copyright ©2025 ©Springs of Living Water  http://springs.carmelmedia.in

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SUNDAY, FIFTH SUNDAY OF EASTER

 

Acts 14: 21-27                        Ps 145: 8-13               Rv 21: 1-5                   Jn 13: 31-35

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LOVE: THE KEY TO EASTER RENEWAL

 

From the missionary zeal of Paul and Barnabas in Acts, to the glorious vision of a new creation in Revelation, to Christ’s commandment of love in John’s Gospel, we see a common thread: God is making all things new, and we are called to be instruments of this transformation. Our first reading from Acts shows Paul and Barnabas at the heart of their missionary journey. They don’t just preach and move on; they strengthen the disciples, encourage them to persevere in faith, and even return to visit them, ensuring that the young Church is rooted in Christ. Notice their message: “It is necessary for us to undergo many hardships to enter the kingdom of God.” This is a crucial Easter truth: New life in Christ does not mean a life without suffering. Rather, it means that our sufferings are transformed by the grace of the resurrection. Paul and Barnabas knew this firsthand; they had been persecuted, stoned, and rejected, yet they kept going because they trusted in the Risen Lord’s promise. How do we respond to hardships in our faith journey? Do we see them as obstacles or as moments where God is refining us? Are we actively encouraging one another in faith, like Paul and Barnabas did? Or do we leave our brothers and sisters to struggle alone? The early Christians thrived because they were a community of believers, supporting one another. We must do the same.

 

In our second reading, we hear the breathtaking vision of St John: “Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth… Behold, God’s dwelling is with the human race… He will wipe every tear from their eyes… ‘Behold, I make all things new.’” This is the ultimate fulfilment of Easter – the resurrection of all creation. God is not content with merely fixing the brokenness of the world; He is making it entirely new. This new creation is not just a future hope; it begins now. Every act of love, every moment of forgiveness, every work of mercy is a foretaste of this new reality. Are we living as people of the “new creation,” or are we still clinging to old ways of sin, despair, or selfishness? Are we a sign of this new creation? Do people encounter hope, healing, and reconciliation when they meet us? God is making all things new today, and we are part of that work.

 

Jesus gives us the key to this renewal in the gospel: “I give you a new commandment: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you also should love one another.” This commandment is new not because love was unknown before, but because Christ has now given us the measure of love: “As I have loved you.” How did Jesus love us? Totally. Sacrificially. Without limits. He loved us to the point of laying down His life. This is the love that renews the world. This is the love that turns a group of fearful disciples into a Church that transforms history. Do we love with Christ’s self-giving love, or with a love that is conditional, impatient, or self-serving? Does our love extend beyond our comfort zone – to the poor, the marginalized, the difficult to love? Jesus says, “This is how all will know that you are my disciples.” Not by our words, not by our buildings, not by our traditions, but by our love. If the world is not seeing Christ in us, perhaps it is because we are not loving as He loved.

 

Easter is not just a season but a reality that must transform everything we are and do. Like Paul and Barnabas, we are called to be missionaries of hope, strengthening one another in faith. Like John’s vision, we are called to live now as people of the new creation, where God dwells among us. Like Jesus commands, we are called to love radically, so that the world may believe. This is the Easter mission: to be witnesses of resurrection, not just in what we say, but in how we live, love, and renew the world around us. Let us pray that the risen Lord may fill us with His Spirit, making us instruments of His love and renewal in the world. May our lives proclaim, in word and deed, that He is alive and that His kingdom is at hand.

 

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Response: I well bless your name forever, my king and my God.

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Copyright ©2025 ©Springs of Living Water  http://springs.carmelmedia.in