May 11, 2026
Monday of the Sixth Week of Easter
Gospel: John 15:26–16:4a

Today is the Monday of the Sixth Week of Easter. We draw ever closer to the Solemnity of Ascension. During this season, the Gospel passages we hear are taken from the Farewell Discourse of Jesus in the Gospel of John, spoken to His disciples before His Passion. Today, Jesus reveals the Paraclete to us through the gospel according to John.

In ancient tradition, the term “Paraclete” was rendered as “Comforter,” referring to One who brings consolation and abides with us always. Here, Jesus speaks of the Paraclete as the Spirit of God who hovered over the waters at creation: the Holy Spirit, eternally proceeding from the Father and the Son.

The Holy Spirit dwells perpetually within the Church, accompanying her and bestowing diverse graces. When we need healing, He grants us comfort through the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick. When we seek reconciliation with God, He enlightens us and guides our examination of conscience, preparing us to be restored to grace through the Sacrament of Penance, so that our hearts may attain true peace and joy. He does not speak on His own authority, but teaches us, that we may remember all that Jesus has taught us.

At times, we struggle to recall the words of Jesus, for then we are under the sway of sin, which estranges us from God and draws us toward the ruler of this world. Sin leads us to live as children of darkness. Such are those who presume that faith in God should advance their worldly success; they demand that Jesus sanction their unjust deeds, lest their conscience be troubled by God’s judgment.

We, too, may experience rejection by our own community. When we are not accepted, how do we respond? Do we seek vengeance, or do we pray for them? If we choose retaliation, we prove ourselves children of the devil, for the children of God do not hate those who hate them. If we pray for them, is it from a sincere heart? If our prayers are mere formality, we remain children of the devil, for the children of God love all people genuinely and from the heart.

Grant, O merciful God,
that we may experience at all times
the fruit produced by the paschal observances.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever

©Totus Tuus 2026
Cum Approbatione Ecclesiastica