May 11, 2026 // Monday of the Sixth Week of Easter
Read the Word // Open your Bible to today’s Gospel: John 15:26-16:4
Reflect on the Word //
It all happened one right after the other: job loss, illness, the loss of a loved one. It didn’t seem possible, and it certainly didn’t seem fair. I remember the day when the tears wouldn’t stop, when anger and hurt rose up so strongly I couldn’t contain them. All I wanted was normalcy. Calm. Peace.
How much crushing and pressing can my heart bear, Lord? And what am I supposed to do with it all?
I had no choice but to surrender—not easily, but simply. I accepted and embraced this cross, because what else was I supposed to do? Nothing happens in this world by mistake. As I surrendered, I waited for and trusted the Lord to come to my aid.
In today’s Gospel, Jesus speaks to His friends just before He is betrayed. He does not hide the truth: suffering will come, the world will oppose them, and their hearts will be tested. Then, He offers them a promised gift—His Holy Spirit.
“When the Advocate comes whom I will send you from the Father, the Spirit of truth [. . .] he will testify to me” (John 15:26).
Jesus is not only speaking to the Apostles. He is speaking to us too.
My sister, life on earth is hard. We will experience loss and disappointment, pain and heartache. There will be days of sorrow and moments of anger. And while our first instinct may be to run in the opposite direction and wish it all away, Jesus invites us to stay: “I have told you this so that you may not fall away” (John 16:1). Through His Holy Spirit, He promises never to abandon us and to always bring us comfort and help.
When we reach those tipping points, let us not forget Jesus’ promise. Let us lean in closer and trust that the Holy Spirit will settle the unsettled parts of our hearts with His grace, peace, and love.
Relate to the Lord // Ask the Holy Spirit for the grace you need today.
Sarah Damm is the blog manager and a writer for Blessed Is She. She also is a frequent contributor to other faith-based platforms. Residing in Minnesota with her husband and six children, Sarah was a stay-at-home mom for 21 years, until she returned to the workforce in 2023. Sarah enjoys attending her kids' volleyball, football, basketball, or baseball games (depending on the season). She loves her faith, coffee, walks with her husband, and good books. Read Sarah's posts here. You can find out more about her here.
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