Let Go!

First Reading: Acts 15:1-2, 22-29

Some who had come down from Judea were instructing the brothers, "Unless you are circumcised according to the Mosaic practice, you cannot be saved."  Because there arose no little dissension and debate by Paul and Barnabas with them, it was decided that Paul, Barnabas, and some of the others should go up to Jerusalem to the apostles and presbyters about this question. Then the apostles and presbyters, in agreement with the whole church, decided to choose representatives and to send them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas. The ones chosen were Judas, who was called Barsabbas, and Silas, leaders among the brothers.

This is the letter delivered by them: "The apostles and the presbyters, your brothers, to the brothers in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia of Gentile origin: greetings.Since we have heard that some of our number (who went out) without any mandate from us have upset you with their teachings and disturbed your peace of mind,we have with one accord decided to choose representatives and to send them to you along with our beloved Barnabas and Paul,who have dedicated their lives to the name of our Lord Jesus Christ

So we are sending Judas and Silas who will also convey this same message by word of mouth:

'It is the decision of the holy Spirit and of us not to place on you any burden beyond these necessities,namely, to abstain from meat sacrificed to idols, from blood, from meats of strangled animals, and from unlawful marriage. If you keep free of these, you will be doing what is right. Farewell.”

Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 67:2-3, 5, 6, 8

Second Reading: Revelation 21:10-14, 22-23

He took me in spirit to a great, high mountain and showed me the holy city Jerusalem coming down out of heaven from God. It gleamed with the splendor of God. Its radiance was like that of a precious stone, like jasper, clear as crystal. It had a massive, high wall, with twelve gates where twelve angels were stationed and on which names were inscribed, (the names) of the twelve tribes of the Israelites.

There were three gates facing east, three north, three south, and three west. The wall of the city had twelve courses of stones as its foundation, on which were inscribed the twelve names of the twelve apostles 1 of the Lamb. saw no temple in the city, for its temple is the Lord God almighty and the Lamb. The city had no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gave it light, and its lamp was the Lamb.

Gospel: John 14:23-29

Jesus answered and said to him, " Whoever loves me will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our dwelling with him. Whoever does not love me does not keep my words; yet the word you hear is not mine but that of the Father who sent me. " I have told you this while I am with you.

The Advocate, the holy Spirit that the Father will send in my name--he will teach you everything and remind you of all that (I) told you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid. You heard me tell you, 'I am going away and I will come back to you.' If you loved me, you would rejoice that I am going to the Father; for the Father is greater than I. And now I have told you this before it happens, so that when it happens you may believe.

Reflection
By Annabelle Payod-Balla

Many times I imagine myself floating in the air, up to the ceiling while in deep prayer. I feel that it can happen, only if I truly let go and be carried away with the grace of being in union with God. However, I find myself holding back. Most of the times, destructed with things around me or the noisiness of my mind. There's just too much going on within me, around me...


Letting go could mean a lot things. To some, it means giving up, losing control. To others, it means freedom, courage.

It is not easy to let go. We normally don't like losing control over things. Or losing someone to others, to other worlds. There is separation anxiety because we tend to be emotionally attached to things, to people around us. There is fear of uncertainty, of being left behind. Fear of being moved out of our comfort zones. Fear of being embarrassed, of feeling awkward.

When Jesus saw the fears in the disciples' eyes, the fear of letting Him go, He told them not to be worried and upset, and not to be afraid. He said, "If you love me, you will be glad for I am going to the Father who is greater than I." Jesus was asking them to trust Him for the Father will send a Helper, the Holy Spirit, to help them remember His teachings.

Letting go could pave the way for greater things. Letting go empowers God's blessings to overflow. Letting go means letting God takes control. Letting go means trusting God.

Prayer   Father, please help us to us unchain Your Spirit within us. Help us set our souls free, free to soar up high and be with You. Help us to let go and allow Your plans to happen. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen!