EASTER DIGEST with Fr. PiusRalph EFFIONG, SMMM

MONDAY OF THE SIXTH WEEK IN EASTERTIDE 

Celebration of the day:  ST. PHILIP NERI, Priest (1515-1595). 

Born in Florence, he became a priest in 1551 and founded the Congregation of the Oratory. He is noted for his zeal in converting sinners through the sacrament of Penance. He was a catechist and a spiritual guide of extraordinary talent. He died at eighty years of age.

Table of the Word 

First Reading: Acts 16:11–15 

Gospel: John 15:26—16:4a

Theme: The Gentle Power of the Spirit.

Reflection

In today’s first reading, we meet Lydia, a woman of faith whose heart is “opened by the Lord to listen eagerly to what Paul said”  - a subtle, beautiful image of conversion, not through force or argument, but through openness to God’s gentle invitation (cf. Acts 16:11–15). This encounter reminds us that evangelization often begins with listening, hospitality, and the quiet workings of grace.

The Gospel on the other hand continues Jesus’ farewell discourse, where He promises us the Advocate, Counsellor - the Holy Spirit. Jesus who knows the begining from the end is aware of the trials the disciples will face, and He prepares them ahead of time with the presence of the Spirit (John 15:26—16:4a).

The Spirit will be their guide, strength, and witness. The Christian life, then and now, is not free of hardship, but it is never walked alone journey but with the company of the Spirit. 

However, situating it within the context of today's celebration- the memorial of St. Philip Neri, who is alsoKnown as the “Apostle of Rome,” This promise of the Spirit is also a key to understanding the life of St. Philip Neri.  Philip evangelized not with fanfare, but with joy, humour, and deep holiness. He was a man on fire with the Holy Spirit, drawing others by the sheer warmth of his love for God and people. His contagious joy, even in the face of suffering, reflected a soul anchored in the Advocate.

We see in him the integration of today’s readings: the hospitality and openness of Lydia, the conviction and boldness born of the Spirit, and the quiet, joyful witness that changes hearts. In an age of noise and contention, Philip Neri reminds us that joy is evangelizing, and the Spirit speaks loudest through lives of kindness, humility, and genuine delight in God.

Finally, beloved in Christ we are being invited to borrow a leaf from this great man and woman of faith: St. Philip Neri and Lydia whose exemplary lives ignite passion for holiness. 

+ May the Lord bless His Words in our heart both now and forevermore. Amen. 

© The ARCHIVE 26052025