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Gospel Reflection – Monday, May 26, 2025
So That the World May Believe
Whether we reflect on the readings from the sixth week of Easter or on the Memorial of St. Philip Neri, we find some powerful contrasts—between pain and joy, uncertainty and hope. Everything is possible, and in God’s time, everything becomes real.
The Monday reading during Easter includes a dark and somewhat frightening prediction: “The time will come when anyone who kills you will think they are offering a service to God.” Or at least, they will believe they’re doing something good for society and for the culture they live in. In our current times, with religious persecution happening both locally and globally, this seems painfully accurate.
Here’s where the contrast becomes even clearer: those who persecute believe they are doing the right thing for society by eliminating what they see as evil in Christianity. That belief stands in stark opposition to the faith we are called to have, as expressed in the reading from the memorial of St. Philip Neri:
“May they all be one, so that the world may believe.”
That the world may believe in Christ—not in the destruction of all things Christian.
Could it be that persecution exists because of a lack of unity?
How can the world believe if those who claim to follow Christ’s Truth are divided and in conflict?
How can we convince those who think they’re doing good by persecuting Christians, when Christians themselves cancel each other out by constant disagreement?
Maybe the key to unity, to reconciliation, and to helping the world believe is found in the reading from Philippians on the feast of St. Philip Neri:
“Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”
If we focus on those things, it’s hard to hold onto anger and division.
If we live by those things, it will be harder for persecutors to justify what they’re doing.
And then—not only will fear fade away—but it will become truly possible for the world to believe.
As that same passage in Philippians says:
“Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all.”
In the face of whatever seeks to destroy it, the Christian response must be:
joy, kindness, beauty, and virtue.