Today’s Catholic Reflection
In Corinth, Paul receives a vision from the Lord. He is encouraged to keep preaching without fear. The Lord assures him of protection and support from the people in the city. Paul stays in Corinth for a year and a half, sharing the word of God. When local Jews accuse him before Gallio, the proconsul, Gallio dismisses their case. He sees it as a matter of their own religious disputes, not a crime. After this, Paul stays a bit longer before leaving for Syria with Priscilla and Aquila. He has taken a vow that requires him to shave his head.
The responsorial psalm celebrates God's sovereignty over all nations. It invites everyone to praise Him with joy and gratitude. The psalmist recognizes God as the great king who guides nations and chooses an inheritance for His people. In the Gospel, Jesus tells His disciples they will face sorrow, but this grief will turn into joy. He compares it to a woman in labor, who forgets her pain when she holds her child. Jesus assures them their joy will be lasting, and they can ask the Father for anything in His name.