May 18, Monday Easter Weekday

The Lord takes delight in his people.--Psalm 149:(see 4)

Mass readings: Acts 16:11-15 / John 15:26-16:4

Remember

In today's Gospel, Jesus warns His disciples of the hardships and suffering they will endure in His name. Then He adds, ''I have told you this so that . . . you may remember.'' Once I find myself obsessing about the difficulties in my life, I've stopped remembering the miracles God has provided for me in the harshest of circumstances. I'm focused on myself, rather than remembering God's promise that He's always with me.

In her characteristically frank way, St. Thérèse of Lisieux describes it like this: ''Sometimes, when I'm in such a state of spiritual dryness that I can't find a single thought in my mind that will bring me close to God, I say an Our Father and a Hail Mary very slowly indeed. How they take me out of myself then!''

Prayer: My Lord and my God, I am Yours!