Fourth Sunday after Easter
Letter of James 1,17-21.
Dearly beloved, Every best gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no change nor shadow of alteration.
For of his own will hath he begotten us by the word of truth, that we might be some beginning of his creature.
You know, my dearest brethren. And let every man be swift to hear, but slow to speak and slow to anger.
For the anger of man worketh not the justice of God.
Wherefore, casting away all uncleanness and abundance of naughtiness, with meekness receive the ingrafted word, which is able to save your souls.
Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint John 16,5-14.
At that time Jesus said to His disciples: I go to Him that sent Me: and none of you asketh Me: Whither goest Thou?
But because I have spoken these things to you, sorrow hath filled your heart.
But I tell you the truth: it is expedient to you that I go. For if I go not, the Paraclete will not come to you: but if I go, I will send him to you.
And when he is come, he will convince the world of sin and of justice and of judgment.
Of sin: because they believed not in me.
And of justice: because I go to the Father: and you shall see me no longer.
And of judgment: because the prince of this world is already judged.
I have yet many things to say to you: but you cannot bear them now.
But when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will teach you all truth. For he shall not speak of himself: but what things soever he shall hear, he shall speak. And the things that are to come, he shall shew you.
He shall glorify me: because he shall receive of mine and shall shew it to you.
Douay-Rheims Catholic Bible
INSTRUCTION As the disciples, in their grief at Christ's going to His passion and death, after the accomplishment of which He was to return to His Father, never once asked Him: "Whither goest Thou?" many Christians, because of their attachment to this world and its pleasures, never ask themselves: Whither am I going, whither leads my way? By my sinful life I am perhaps going towards hell, or will my little fervor for the right, my lukewarm prayers take me to heaven? Ark yourself in all earnestness, dear Christian, whither leads the way you are going? Is it the right path? if not, retrace your steps, and follow Jesus who by suffering and death entered heaven.
