Monday of the 6th Week of Easter
Monday May 26, 2025

Daily Mass Readings for Monday of the 6th Week of Easter
- First Reading – Acts 16:11-15: Paul and his companions arrive in Philippi where they encounter a woman named Lydia. Through the guidance of the Holy Spirit, Lydia’s heart is opened to the message of Paul, leading to her conversion, baptism, and the hospitality she extends to the apostles.
- Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 149: Let us raise our voices and sing a new song of praise to the Lord, for He takes delight in His people. With joyful hearts, let us rejoice in our Creator and King, offering Him praise through music and dance. The Lord’s love for His people is boundless, and He adorns the humble with victory.
- Gospel – John 15:26-16:4a: Jesus speaks to His disciples about the coming of the Holy Spirit, who will be their Advocate and guide. He assures them of the Spirit’s presence, empowering them to bear witness to the truth despite the challenges and persecution they will face.
When the Advocate comes whom I will send you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, he will testify to me.
John 15:26
Themes for the Readings for Monday of the 6th Week of Easter
The readings for Monday of the 6th Week of Easter focus on the Holy Spirit’s guidance, the spread of the Gospel, and the challenges faced by believers. They show the importance of faith, perseverance, and openness to God’s will in our lives.
- Guidance of the Holy Spirit: The first reading highlights how Paul and his companions follow the Spirit’s direction in their mission. This reminds us to seek the Holy Spirit’s guidance in our decisions and trust in God’s plan.
- Openness to the Gospel: Lydia listens to Paul’s preaching and welcomes the message into her heart. This shows the importance of being open and willing to receive the Word of God.
- Role of the Advocate: The Gospel introduces the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, who testifies to Jesus. This reminds us that the Spirit strengthens us to witness to Christ in our lives.
- Witnessing Amid Challenges: Jesus warns His disciples about the trials they will face for following Him. This shows the need to remain faithful even when it is difficult.
- Hospitality and Service: Lydia’s hospitality after her conversion reflects a heart changed by faith. This teaches us to respond to God’s call by serving others with kindness and generosity.
- Courage in Faith: Both readings show the courage required to live out faith and share the Gospel. They encourage us to trust in God and remain strong in the face of challenges.
Monday of the 6th Week of Easter reminds us of the power of the Holy Spirit and the importance of being open to God’s will. The readings inspire us to live with courage, faith, and a willingness to serve others in His name.
Reflection for Monday of the 6th Week of Easter
The readings for Monday of the 6th Week of Easter encourage us to trust the guidance of the Holy Spirit, bear witness to Jesus, and let our faith lead to action. Paul and his companions follow the Spirit’s direction, showing trust in God’s plan even when it changes their course. The Gospel reminds us of the Holy Spirit’s role as our Advocate, giving us the strength to share the message of Jesus with others.
Trusting the Spirit’s Direction
In the first reading for Monday of the 6th Week of Easter, Paul and his companions allow the Holy Spirit to guide their journey. They follow the Spirit’s direction, even when it changes their plans and leads them to unexpected places. Their willingness to listen and obey shows a deep trust in God’s plan.
This example reminds us of the importance of seeking the Holy Spirit’s guidance in our own lives. Sometimes, God’s path may not match what we had planned, but trusting His direction leads to greater purpose. Prayer and openness to the Spirit help us discern the steps we are called to take.
The reading invites us to reflect on how we respond when God leads us in a different direction. Do we resist, or do we trust that He knows what is best? Paul and his companions encourage us to have faith and follow where the Spirit leads.
The Advocate Testifies to Jesus
In the Gospel for Monday of the 6th Week of Easter, Jesus speaks of the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, who will testify to Him. The Spirit strengthens believers and helps them bear witness to Jesus through their words and actions. This reminds us that we do not testify alone; the Spirit works within us to share Christ’s message.
Witnessing to Jesus is not always easy, especially when we face challenges or fear rejection. The Holy Spirit provides the courage and strength we need to live out our faith boldly. The Spirit’s presence reassures us that God is with us as we share His love with others.
This reflection invites us to ask how we rely on the Holy Spirit in our daily lives. Do we seek the Spirit’s help when we face opportunities to share our faith? The Gospel encourages us to trust in the Advocate who is always there to guide us.
Faith Leading to Action
Both the first reading and the Gospel for Monday of the 6th Week of Easter highlight how faith leads to action. Paul and his companions share the Gospel with Lydia, whose openness to the message leads to her baptism and hospitality. Similarly, the Holy Spirit inspires believers to witness to Jesus through their actions and words.
Faith is not meant to remain hidden. It calls us to serve others, share the Gospel, and live in a way that reflects God’s love. Lydia’s example shows how receiving the Word of God can change lives and lead to generosity and service.
This theme challenges us to reflect on how our faith is expressed in our actions. Are we open to opportunities to serve and share the Gospel? These readings remind us that faith is active and calls us to make a difference in the lives of others.
The reflections for Monday of the 6th Week of Easter challenge us to rely on God’s guidance and live out our faith with courage and love. By listening to the Holy Spirit and witnessing to Jesus, we can share His love in ways that bring hope and change to the world around us.
Prayer
Lord, thank You for sending the Holy Spirit to guide and strengthen us. Help us to trust in Your plan and to follow wherever You lead. Teach us to be bold witnesses to Jesus in our words and actions. May our faith inspire us to serve others with love and generosity. Amen.
Reflection Questions
- How do you seek the Holy Spirit’s guidance in your daily decisions?
- What helps you find courage to witness to Jesus when it feels difficult?
- How does your faith inspire you to take action and serve others?
- When has God led you in an unexpected direction, and how did you respond?
Homilies and Commentaries for Monday of the 6th Week of Easter
Word on Fire: The Loop of Grace
Bishop Robert Barron reflects on the Gospel for Monday of the 6th Week of Easter, focusing on Jesus’ warning of upcoming persecution for His disciples. He explains that those opposing Jesus are detached from God and operate out of fear, leading them to act violently against those who follow Jesus.
Bishop Barron emphasizes that Jesus, connected deeply with the Father, overcomes the world’s hostility with a sense of freedom and detachment. This liberation, he suggests, is available to all who join in the life of grace offered by God, allowing them to face opposition without fear.
USCCB: Freedom of Worship
The USCCB video reflection for Monday of the 6th Week of Easter discusses the persecution Christians face worldwide and the call to vibrant faith. It recalls Jesus’ warning that followers will face hostility because they worship God, which still resonates today as Christians in many places risk their lives for their faith.
The reflection also highlights Lydia’s conversion in Acts, emphasizing her openness to faith over business concerns. It challenges U.S. Christians to live their faith boldly and unite in faith and morals, inspired by the idea that our actions should visibly reflect our love and commitment to God.
Questions and Answers for Monday of the 6th Week of Easter
What date is Monday of the 6th Week of Easter?
The next date is Monday May 26, 2025.
What are the Mass readings for Monday of the 6th Week of Easter?
The Mass readings for Monday May 26, 2025 are:
First Reading – Acts 16:11-15: Lydia’s Conversion and the Power of Hospitality
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 149: Rejoicing in the Lord
Gospel – John 15:26-16:4a: The Promise of the Holy Spirit
Why did Paul and his companions travel to Macedonia in the first reading for Monday of the 6th Week of Easter?
Paul and his companions traveled to Macedonia because the Holy Spirit guided them there. They trusted in God’s direction for their mission.
Who was Lydia, and why is she important in the first reading?
Lydia was a woman who listened to Paul’s preaching and accepted the message of the Gospel. Her openness and faith led to her baptism and her welcoming of Paul into her home.
What does Lydia’s hospitality teach us?
Lydia’s hospitality shows the importance of responding to faith with action. Her willingness to serve and share her home reflects a heart changed by the Gospel.
What does the first reading for Monday of the 6th Week of Easter teach about trusting God’s plan?
The first reading shows that Paul and his companions trusted the Holy Spirit, even when it changed their plans. It reminds us to follow God’s guidance, even when we do not fully understand His plan.
What is the role of the Holy Spirit mentioned in the Gospel for Monday of the 6th Week of Easter?
The Holy Spirit is called the Advocate who testifies to Jesus and helps believers to do the same. The Spirit strengthens and guides us in sharing our faith.
What does it mean to witness to Jesus?
Witnessing to Jesus means living and sharing our faith through words and actions. It involves showing others the love and truth of Christ in our lives.
Why does Jesus warn His disciples about challenges in the Gospel for Monday of the 6th Week of Easter?
Jesus warns His disciples to prepare them for the difficulties they will face because of their faith. He encourages them to remain strong and faithful, even in hard times.
How can the Holy Spirit help us in daily life?
The Holy Spirit helps us make decisions, strengthens our faith, and gives us courage to share the Gospel. We can seek this guidance through prayer and trust in God’s care.
How can we stay faithful when facing challenges?
We can stay faithful by relying on prayer, the support of other believers, and the strength of the Holy Spirit. Trusting in God’s presence helps us persevere through difficulties.
What is the connection between faith and action in these readings for Monday of the 6th Week of Easter?
The readings show that faith leads to action, such as sharing the Gospel or serving others. Believing in God calls us to live out that faith in our daily lives.
Following the Spirit and Witnessing to Jesus
The readings for Monday of the 6th Week of Easter focus on listening to the Holy Spirit, responding to the Gospel, and standing firm in faith. In the first reading, Paul and his companions are led by the Spirit to Macedonia, where they meet Lydia. She listens to their message, accepts the Gospel, and shows hospitality to them, demonstrating how faith inspires action.
The Gospel reminds us of the Holy Spirit’s role as the Advocate who testifies to Jesus. Jesus prepares His followers for the challenges they will face as witnesses to His teachings. He encourages them to rely on the Holy Spirit for strength and guidance.
These readings encourage us to trust in God’s plan, even when it leads us in unexpected directions. They also challenge us to remain faithful in sharing the Gospel and to live out our faith through service and hospitality.
Your Turn
Reflect on the readings for Monday of the 6th Week of Easter. Consider how you can listen to the Holy Spirit’s guidance in your life. Think about ways to be a witness for Jesus in your words and actions. How can you serve others like Lydia did?
Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments to encourage others in their faith journey. Let’s inspire one another to live with courage and trust in the Holy Spirit.
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