May 14, 2026 // Feast of Saint Matthias, Apostle // Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord [In Ecclesiastical Provinces of Boston, Hartford, New York, Omaha, Philadelphia]
Read the Word // Open your Bible to today’s Gospel: John 15: 9-17
Reflect on the Word //
The kneeler creaked as I lowered myself into it. The sanctuary lamp flickered beside the monstrance, its flame casting a dim light. Jesus’ Eucharistic Presence in the Host remained steady, while my mind refused to be still. The day had left me scattered. Conversations replayed. Decisions loomed. I pressed my forehead into my fingers and whispered, “I cannot see what You are doing.”
Today’s Gospel answered with quiet authority: “I no longer call you slaves, because a slave does not know what his master is doing. I have called you friends, because I have told you everything I have heard from my Father” (John 15:15). Jesus knows the Father’s Heart. He is the Beloved Son in His Father’s house.
Christ’s knowing becomes my refuge. “As the Father loves me, so I also love you. Remain in my love” (John 15:9). Jesus knows what the Father is doing and His presence offers deep consolation. Christ’s joy draws close to my wounded heart, just as He promised: “I have told you this so that my joy might be in you and your joy might be complete” (John 15:11). I feel the weight slowly lift as I pray before the Eucharist. He has not hidden the truth from me. He has drawn me close to it.
Now sometimes we might feel like we are walking through shadows without a map. We long to understand what our Father is doing. Yet we are not slaves left in the dark. We are friends invited into deep intimacy. We remain in His love, and that love becomes a wellspring of grace, strength, and quiet courage to take the next step on the dark paths. For we know what the master is doing. We are being led into deeper union with the Trinity, preparing us for our eternal home with Him in Heaven.
Relate to the Lord // Draw near to truth Himself. Make a visit to Jesus in the tabernacle or adoration chapel this week.
Rose Coleman is an elementary school teacher with a heart for pilgrimage. She traveled the globe on a ship during college and spent some years in the convent as a religious sister. She was a contributing author to All She Had, Blessed Conversations: Rooted, and our children’s devotional prayer book called Rise Up. Find out more about her here.
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