Wednesday of the 6th Week of Easter

• First Reading – Acts 17:15, 22-18:1: Paul speaks to the Athenians about the true God they unknowingly worship, urging them to repent for the coming judgment day. Some mocked, but others believed and followed him.
• Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 148: All of creation, including angels and people of all statuses and ages, praise the Lord whose majesty fills the earth and heavens.
• Gospel – John 16:12-15: Jesus assures His disciples that the Holy Spirit will guide them into all truth, revealing what is to come and testifying to the glory of God. He emphasizes the unity of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, unveiling the profound mystery of divine communion and affirming the Spirit’s role in imparting wisdom and understanding to believers.

I have much more to tell you, but you cannot bear it now. But when he comes, the Spirit of truth, he will guide you to all truth.

John 16:12-13

The readings for Wednesday of the 6th Week of Easter focus on sharing the truth of the Gospel, the work of the Holy Spirit, and the importance of understanding God’s plan. They highlight how faith connects with reason and how the Spirit guides believers into truth and clarity.

• Proclaiming the Unknown God: Paul introduces the Athenians to the one true God they do not know. This teaches us to share our faith clearly and respectfully with those who do not yet understand it.
• Faith and Reason Together: Paul speaks to people who value philosophy and reason, showing that faith and reason can work together. This reminds us to engage thoughtfully with others when discussing faith.
• The Spirit Guides into Truth: In the Gospel, Jesus promises the Holy Spirit will guide believers into all truth. This shows that understanding God’s will is a journey led by the Spirit.
• God’s Nearness to All: Paul reminds the Athenians that God is close to everyone and not far from any of us. This assures us of God’s presence in our lives and His desire to be known.
• Clarity Through the Spirit: The Holy Spirit helps believers understand what they could not grasp on their own. This encourages us to rely on the Spirit for guidance in complex situations.
• Witnessing to New Audiences: Paul’s speech in Athens shows how to share faith with those unfamiliar with it. This reminds us to find ways to connect the Gospel with the lives of others.

Wednesday of the 6th Week of Easter reminds us of the Holy Spirit’s role in guiding us and the importance of sharing faith with others. The readings encourage us to approach others with wisdom and trust in God’s presence as we share the message of the Gospel.

The readings for Wednesday of the 6th Week of Easter guide us to share our faith with wisdom and rely on the Holy Spirit for understanding. Paul’s speech in Athens demonstrates how to proclaim the Gospel in a way that connects with others, while the Gospel reminds us of the Spirit’s ongoing work in leading believers to truth. These themes encourage us to be faithful witnesses in all areas of life.

Proclaiming the God Who Is Near

In the first reading for Wednesday of the 6th Week of Easter, Paul speaks to the Athenians about the altar to an unknown god. He uses their curiosity and religious practices to introduce them to the one true God, the Creator of all. Paul explains that this God is not distant or unknown but is close to everyone and desires to be known.

Paul’s approach shows the importance of meeting people where they are. He does not dismiss their beliefs but uses them as a foundation to share the Gospel. His respectful tone and thoughtful explanation make his message approachable and relatable.

This reflection invites us to consider how we share our faith. Do we explain it in ways that connect with others’ experiences? Paul’s example reminds us to speak with clarity and respect, helping others understand the God who is near to all of us.

The Spirit as Our Guide

The Gospel for Wednesday of the 6th Week of Easter emphasizes the Holy Spirit’s role in guiding believers into truth. Jesus assures His disciples that the Spirit will help them understand what they cannot yet grasp. The Spirit works to reveal God’s will over time, leading believers to deeper knowledge and faith.

This guidance is not instant but gradual, as the Spirit helps us grow in understanding. Through prayer and reflection, we can seek the Spirit’s help in making decisions and understanding God’s plan. This process strengthens our faith and trust in God’s care.

This theme challenges us to rely on the Holy Spirit in our daily lives. Do we ask for the Spirit’s guidance when we face uncertainty or difficult choices? The Gospel reminds us that the Spirit is always present to lead us in truth.

Faith That Engages the World

Both the first reading and the Gospel for Wednesday of the 6th Week of Easter highlight the importance of faith engaging with the world. Paul speaks to the Athenians in a way they can relate to, connecting their philosophy with the truth of God. Jesus prepares His disciples for the Spirit’s guidance, equipping them to share the Gospel with clarity and confidence.

Faith is not meant to remain isolated from the world. It calls us to engage thoughtfully with others, finding ways to share the message of Christ. Paul’s example shows how to connect faith with the culture around us, while the Spirit gives us wisdom and courage to speak.

This reflection invites us to think about how our faith interacts with the world. Are we sharing the Gospel in ways that others can understand and relate to? These readings remind us to live out our faith in ways that draw others closer to God.

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The reflections for Wednesday of the 6th Week of Easter remind us to trust in the Holy Spirit and engage with the world thoughtfully and respectfully. By following the Spirit’s guidance and sharing God’s message with clarity, we can inspire others to seek the God who is near to all of us.

Prayer

Lord, thank You for sending the Holy Spirit to guide us into truth and to strengthen us in faith. Help us to share Your message with love and understanding, meeting others where they are. May we trust in Your Spirit as we seek to live out our faith each day. Amen.

Reflection Questions

• How can you share your faith in a way that connects with others’ experiences?
• In what ways has the Holy Spirit guided you in understanding God’s will?
• How does Paul’s approach to sharing the Gospel inspire you in your own witness?
• What steps can you take to deepen your reliance on the Holy Spirit in your daily life?

Word on Fire: The Inner Life of God

On Wednesday of the 6th Week of Easter, Bishop Robert Barron reflects on Jesus’ promise of the Holy Spirit to guide the Church. Jesus says there’s more to share but the disciples aren’t ready. The Holy Spirit, the advocate, will lead them to truth. Jesus, being God’s Son, needs divine help for understanding.

The Holy Spirit helps us grasp the Father’s message. Today’s Gospel reveals the depth of God’s inner life and the Church’s core. Initially, the Church couldn’t fully comprehend God’s truth. Continual guidance from the Spirit is crucial for understanding and growth. The Spirit works steadily, empowering the Church’s journey through time and space.

What date is Wednesday of the 6th Week of Easter?

The next date is Wednesday May 28, 2025.

What are the Mass readings for Wednesday of the 6th Week of Easter?

The Mass readings for Wednesday May 28, 2025 are:
First Reading – Acts 17:15, 22-18:1: Bold Proclamation in Athens
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 148: Praise Resounding Through Creation
Gospel – John 16:12-15: The Promise of the Holy Spirit

Why does Paul talk about the “unknown god” in the first reading for Wednesday of the 6th Week of Easter?

Paul addresses the Athenians’ altar to an unknown god to introduce them to the one true God. He uses their own practices as a starting point to share the Gospel.

What does Paul mean when he says God is near to everyone?

Paul explains that God is present and close to all people. He wants everyone to know and seek Him, as He desires a relationship with all.

How does Paul use reason and faith in his speech?

Paul uses reason to connect with the Athenians’ interest in philosophy and ties it to faith in God. This shows that faith and reason can work together in explaining the Gospel.

Why did Paul speak to philosophers in Athens in the first reading for Wednesday of the 6th Week of Easter?

Paul spoke to the philosophers because they were open to discussing ideas and seeking knowledge. He saw this as an opportunity to share the truth of God with them.

Why does Paul emphasize that God is not served by human hands?

Paul explains that God does not need anything from us because He is the Creator of all. This highlights God’s power and self-sufficiency.

How can we share our faith with people who don’t know God?

We can follow Paul’s example by finding common ground and speaking with respect. It’s important to explain faith in ways that others can understand and relate to.

What does the Gospel for Wednesday of the 6th Week of Easter say about the role of the Holy Spirit?

The Gospel explains that the Holy Spirit will guide believers into all truth. The Spirit helps us understand God’s will and leads us in our faith journey.

How can the Holy Spirit help us in daily life?

The Holy Spirit guides us in understanding God’s will and making decisions. Through prayer, we can seek the Spirit’s help in difficult situations.

What does it mean that the Spirit reveals truth over time?

Jesus explains that the Spirit will guide believers into truth as they are ready to understand it. This reminds us that spiritual growth is a gradual process.

What is the main message of Wednesday of the 6th Week of Easter?

The readings emphasize sharing the Gospel with wisdom and relying on the Holy Spirit to guide us. They remind us that God is near to everyone and desires to be known.