Thursday of the 6th Week of Easter
Thursday May 29, 2025

Daily Mass Readings for Thursday of the 6th Week of Easter
In most dioceses in the United States, the observance of the Solemnity of the Ascension is moved to the following Sunday, but in some locations it might be observed on the traditional date of Thursday of the 6th Week of Easter. See readings and resources for the Ascension of the Lord instead.
- First Reading – Acts 18:1-8: After facing rejection from the Jews in Corinth, Paul focuses on preaching to the Gentiles, resulting in many Corinthians believing and being baptized.
- Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 98: God has demonstrated his saving acts to the world, showing his mercy and faithfulness to all nations and prompting joyful songs of praise.
- Gospel – John 16:16-20: Jesus speaks to His disciples about His imminent departure and return. He reassures them that their sorrow will be transformed into joy when they see Him again, illustrating the transformative power of His resurrection and the lasting joy it brings to His followers.
A little while and you will no longer see me, and again a little while later and you will see me.
John 16:16
Themes for the Readings for Thursday of the 6th Week of Easter
The readings for Thursday of the 6th Week of Easter highlight themes of perseverance, faith, and the promise of joy after sorrow. They show the challenges of sharing the Gospel and the hope that God’s presence brings even in difficult times.
- Working Together in Mission: Paul works with Priscilla and Aquila as he preaches the Gospel. This shows the importance of collaboration and support in sharing faith.
- Faith Amid Rejection: Paul faces rejection in the synagogue but continues his mission to preach to others. This reminds us to remain faithful even when our efforts are not accepted.
- The Promise of Joy: In the Gospel, Jesus assures His disciples that their sorrow will turn to joy. This teaches us to trust in God’s plan, even when we do not fully understand it.
- God’s Faithfulness in Ministry: God encourages Paul in his work, bringing success and new believers. This shows that God is present in the mission of spreading His Word.
- Trust During Uncertainty: The disciples struggle to understand Jesus’ words about His departure and return. This reflects our need to trust God when we face confusion or doubt.
- Endurance in Faith: Both readings emphasize the importance of perseverance in faith. They remind us to stay committed to God’s work and trust that He will bring blessings in His time.
Thursday of the 6th Week of Easter invites us to reflect on trusting God during challenges and finding joy in His promises. The readings encourage us to persevere in sharing our faith and rely on His presence in all we do.
Reflection for Thursday of the 6th Week of Easter
The readings for Thursday of the 6th Week of Easter focus on God’s guidance in our lives, enduring sorrow with hope, and remaining faithful in challenging times. Paul’s encounter with Aquila and Priscilla highlights how God orchestrates events to support His mission. Jesus’ words in the Gospel reassure His disciples that joy will follow their sorrow, offering a reminder to trust in God’s promises.
God’s Hand in Our Encounters
In the first reading for Thursday of the 6th Week of Easter, Paul meets Aquila and Priscilla, two believers who work alongside him. Their shared faith and trade provide Paul with companionship and support in his mission. This meeting is not by chance but part of God’s plan to equip Paul for the work ahead.
God often uses people and circumstances to carry out His purposes. Aquila and Priscilla become vital to Paul’s ministry, reminding us that God places others in our lives to help us. Sometimes, these encounters may seem ordinary, but they have a deeper purpose when viewed through the lens of faith.
This reflection invites us to trust that God is always at work, even in the details of our lives. Do we recognize His hand in the people and situations He brings into our path? Like Paul, we are called to embrace these opportunities and trust in God’s care for our journey.
From Sorrow to Joy
The Gospel for Thursday of the 6th Week of Easter speaks of Jesus preparing His disciples for His departure. He acknowledges the sorrow they will feel at His death but assures them it will turn to joy when they see Him again. Using the image of a woman in labor, Jesus explains that pain can lead to something beautiful and lasting.
This message reminds us that sorrow is often temporary, and God brings hope even in times of difficulty. Just as the disciples’ grief was replaced with joy at the resurrection, we are called to trust that God will bring renewal and peace in our lives.
Reflecting on this, we see that faith does not remove hardship but gives it meaning. How can we endure moments of sadness with the hope of God’s promise of joy? This Gospel teaches us to trust that our struggles are not the end of the story.
Perseverance in Faith
Both the first reading and the Gospel for Thursday of the 6th Week of Easter emphasize perseverance. Paul continues his mission despite rejection, trusting in God’s plan for his ministry. Similarly, Jesus encourages His disciples to hold on to hope as they face the sorrow of His crucifixion.
Faith requires endurance, especially when the path is unclear or difficult. Paul’s example shows us the importance of pressing forward in our calling, even when faced with obstacles. Jesus’ words remind us that faith includes trusting in God’s timing, knowing that joy will come.
This reflection challenges us to persevere in our own faith journeys. Are we willing to trust in God’s plan, even when it seems difficult? The readings remind us that with faith, perseverance leads to hope and renewal.
These reflections for Thursday of the 6th Week of Easter encourage us to recognize God’s presence in our daily lives, trust Him during difficulties, and remain committed to the work He has entrusted to us. By trusting in His guidance and holding onto hope, we can persevere and grow in faith.
Prayer
Lord, thank You for guiding us through every part of our journey. Help us to trust in Your plan, even when the way is difficult. Strengthen our faith to endure challenges and to see Your hand in the people and moments You place before us. May we always rely on Your promises. Amen.
Reflection Questions
- How can you see God’s hand in the people and events in your life?
- When have you experienced joy after a time of sorrow or difficulty?
- What helps you to persevere in faith when faced with rejection or hardship?
- How can you grow in trust that God will guide and provide for you in your mission?
Homilies and Commentaries for Thursday of the 6th Week of Easter
Questions and Answers for Thursday of the 6th Week of Easter
What date is Thursday of the 6th Week of Easter?
The next date is Thursday May 29, 2025.
What are the Mass readings for Thursday of the 6th Week of Easter?
The Mass readings for Thursday May 29, 2025 are:
First Reading – Acts 18:1-8: Paul’s Persistent Mission
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 98: Singing a New Song of Praise
Gospel – John 16:16-20: The Promise of Christ’s Return
Why does Paul leave the synagogue in the first reading for Thursday of the 6th Week of Easter?
Paul leaves the synagogue because some reject his message about Jesus. He decides to focus on preaching to others who are open to hearing the Gospel.
Who are Priscilla and Aquila, and what is their role?
Priscilla and Aquila are believers who work with Paul in his mission. They provide support and help share the message of Jesus with others.
What does the first reading for Thursday of the 6th Week of Easter teach about perseverance in faith?
The first reading shows Paul continuing his mission even after facing rejection. It reminds us to stay faithful and trust that God will guide our efforts.
What can we learn from Paul’s collaboration with others?
Paul’s work with Priscilla and Aquila shows the value of teamwork in sharing faith. It teaches us that support from others helps us in our mission.
How does God encourage Paul in his mission?
God brings success to Paul’s efforts by leading new believers to accept the Gospel. This shows that God is present and faithful to those who work for Him.
Why do the disciples struggle to understand Jesus’ words in the Gospel for Thursday of the 6th Week of Easter?
The disciples are confused because they do not fully grasp what Jesus means about His departure and return. They are still learning to trust in God’s plan.
What does Jesus mean when He says the disciples’ sorrow will turn to joy?
Jesus refers to the time when He will leave and then return. The disciples will experience sorrow during His absence but will rejoice when they see Him again.
How does the Gospel encourage hope in difficult times?
The Gospel reminds us that sorrow and confusion are temporary. God promises that joy will come, giving us strength to endure challenges.
What does the Gospel teach about trusting God’s timing?
The Gospel reminds us to trust that God’s plan will unfold in the right way and time. Even when we do not understand, we can rely on His promises.
How do these readings for Thursday of the 6th Week of Easter apply to our lives?
The readings encourage us to persevere in faith, trust God in difficult times, and work with others to share the Gospel. They remind us to rely on God’s presence and guidance.
Persevering in Faith and Trust
The readings for Thursday of the 6th Week of Easter highlight themes of endurance, collaboration, and hope. In the first reading, Paul works alongside Priscilla and Aquila as he shares the Gospel. Despite rejection in the synagogue, Paul continues to preach, demonstrating perseverance in the face of obstacles. His efforts bear fruit as new believers come to faith, showing that God is faithful to those who trust in Him.
The Gospel focuses on Jesus preparing His disciples for the sorrow they will feel when He leaves. He reassures them that their sadness will turn to joy when He returns. This promise of joy brings hope and reminds the disciples to trust in God’s plan, even when they do not fully understand it.
These readings remind us of the importance of perseverance and trust in our own lives. They encourage us to remain faithful in challenges, rely on others for support, and trust in the joy that God promises to those who follow Him.
Your Turn
Reflect on the readings for Thursday of the 6th Week of Easter. How do you respond to challenges in sharing your faith or facing rejection? Consider how Jesus’ promise of joy brings hope during times of uncertainty. Take time to think about how you can persevere in faith and trust in God’s timing.
Share your reflections and experiences in the comment section. Let’s encourage one another to remain faithful and hopeful in all circumstances.
Leave a Reply