Monday of the Fifth Week of Easter
(Acts 14:5-18; John 14:21-26)
What of the world?
Are the people who comprise it evil? Do they brag, steal, and lie, at least when
others are not looking? Evidently John’s
gospel thinks so. It says today because
the world does not keep Jesus’ word, he will not reveal himself to it.
The first reading illustrates the world’s depravity. The people begin to fuss over Paul and
Barnabas when they see these disciples cure an invalid. They begin to worship the two -- no doubt
seeking more miracles -- but refuse to listen to them.
John tends to draw too much contrast between the world
and Jesus’ disciples. People are seldom preponderantly
bad, and disciples sin often enough. We
have to heed the Spirit Advocate whom Christ has sent to correct our errant
ways. Then we should do what we can to improve
the world.
