Friday of the Sixth Week of Easter
Reading 1 Acts 18:9-18
One night while Paul was in Corinth, the Lord said to him in a vision,
"Do not be afraid.
Go on speaking, and do not be silent, for I am with you.
No one will attack and harm you,
for I have many people in this city."
He settled there for a year and a half
and taught the word of God among them.
But when Gallio was proconsul of Achaia,
the Jews rose up together against Paul
and brought him to the tribunal, saying,
"This man is inducing people to worship God contrary to the law."
When Paul was about to reply, Gallio spoke to the Jews,
"If it were a matter of some crime or malicious fraud,
I should with reason hear the complaint of you Jews;
but since it is a question of arguments over doctrine and titles
and your own law, see to it yourselves.
I do not wish to be a judge of such matters."
And he drove them away from the tribunal.
They all seized Sosthenes, the synagogue official,
and beat him in full view of the tribunal.
But none of this was of concern to Gallio.
Paul remained for quite some time,
and after saying farewell to the brothers he sailed for Syria,
together with Priscilla and Aquila.
At Cenchreae he had shaved his head because he had taken a vow.
Responsorial Psalm Psalm 47:2-3, 4-5, 6-7
R. (8a) God is king of all the earth.
or:
R. Alleluia.
All you peoples, clap your hands,
shout to God with cries of gladness,
For the LORD, the Most High, the awesome,
is the great king over all the earth.
R. God is king of all the earth.
or:
R. Alleluia.
He brings people under us;
nations under our feet.
He chooses for us our inheritance,
the glory of Jacob, whom he loves.
R. God is king of all the earth.
or:
R. Alleluia.
God mounts his throne amid shouts of joy;
the LORD, amid trumpet blasts.
Sing praise to God, sing praise;
sing praise to our king, sing praise.
R. God is king of all the earth.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Alleluia See Luke 24:46, 26
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Christ had to suffer and to rise from the dead,
and so enter into his glory.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Gospel John 16:20-23
Jesus said to his disciples:
"Amen, amen, I say to you, you will weep and mourn,
while the world rejoices;
you will grieve, but your grief will become joy.
When a woman is in labor, she is in anguish because her hour has arrived;
but when she has given birth to a child,
she no longer remembers the pain because of her joy
that a child has been born into the world.
So you also are now in anguish.
But I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice,
and no one will take your joy away from you.
On that day you will not question me about anything.
Amen, amen, I say to you,
whatever you ask the Father in my name he will give you."
Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States, second typical edition, Copyright © 2001, 1998, 1997, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine; Psalm refrain © 1968, 1981, 1997, International Committee on English in the Liturgy, Inc. All rights reserved. Neither this work nor any part of it may be reproduced, distributed, performed or displayed in any medium, including electronic or digital, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.
May 15, 2026 // Friday of the Sixth Week of Easter // Optional Memorial of Saint Isidore [in the dioceses of the United States]
Read the Word // Open your Bible to today’s Gospel: John 16:20-23
Reflect on the Word //
As I walked, my pace matched the dreariness of the sky, reflecting the darkness that enveloped my heart. It was the first week of Lent, and the weight of my suffering felt unbearable. Yet, the Lord in His generosity would surprise me with glimmers of the Resurrection. Whether it was a rainbow, a blooming flower, laughter, etc., I was surprised to experience these bits of joy, during such a dark time in my life. Little did I know, joy doesn’t depend on my circumstances, but it deeply depends on Him.
In today’s Gospel, Jesus communicates the reality of suffering to his disciples: “Amen, amen, I say to you, you will weep and mourn, while the world rejoices; you will grieve” (John 16:20). However, Jesus isn’t inviting his disciples to fall into despair, but to hope. He continues, “Your grief will become joy” (John 16:20). Jesus isn’t promising His disciples that it’ll be easy, but He’s also promising that joy is to be experienced, which is what I received during that Lent. He didn’t create me to remain melancholic on this earthly pilgrimage, but to live into an abundant life with Him here on earth, and, one day, fully in Heaven. The joy He speaks of can only be provided by Him, and it doesn't depend on my circumstances or how I feel. Through His generosity, this gift of joy will never grow weary or become outdone. It’s a supernatural joy that will never be taken away (see John 16:22), and can shine though the darkest of places.
Sister, don’t be afraid to ask the Lord for an increase of joy this Easter. Jesus invites us to ask, “Whatever you ask the Father in my name He will give you” (John 16:23). We can’t produce this joy ourselves. True joy cannot be experienced or received without Him. It’s not scarce or restricted. The Lord Himself will provide it, and provide abundantly.
Relate to the Lord // Go on a joy treasure hunt today. Let Jesus surprise you with rainbows, flowers, or laughter–whatever delights your heart!
Bella Rol is a college student from Monterey, CA. She is studying Early Childhood Education as she pursues her dream of working with children and one day having her own to care for. In the meantime, she is the big sister to three younger brothers. In her free time she is usually found with her sketchbook and art supplies as she doodles away.
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