A reading from the holy Gospel according to John 15:26-16:4a
Jesus said to his disciples: "When the Advocate comes whom I will send you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, he will testify to me. And you also testify, because you have been with me from the beginning.
"I have told you this so that you may not fall away. They will expel you from the synagogues; in fact, the hour is coming when everyone who kills you will think he is offering worship to God. They will do this because they have not known either the Father or me. I have told you this so that when their hour comes you may remember that I told you."
REFLECTION:
....."When the Advocate comes whom I will send you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, he will testify to me. And you also testify, because you have been with me from the beginning.".......
Jesus, again, is preparing the disciples for his departure. He now promises an Advocate or Counselor. Jesus is our friend and he is now leaving us with another friend. Jesus is not going to leave us alone. This new helper is the Third Person of the Holy Trinity--the Holy Spirit.
The Holy Spirit guides and strengthens us. What Jesus taught, the Holy Spirit instills and emboldens in our heart. What Jesus did, the Holy Spirit does in us. He lives within us, comforts us, and convicts us. As St Paul said, 'the Spirit gives you life' (Romans 8:10)--the very life of God.
He is the life giving sap between the vine and the branches. God's love is poured out into our hearts by the Holy Spirit. He gives us joy in living the commandments of God. The Holy Spirit shows us through faith what God the Father and God the Son are doing. Through the Holy Spirit we see God's great work in Jesus.
PRAYER:
Dearest Father, have mercy on us and send down the Holy Spirit. Through the Advocate give us courage and perseverance in our trials and tribulations, strengthen us with faith, hope and charity, show us how to forgive and how to forget. All graces that you give us, please prepare us to accept them and to use them wisely. We give you permission to make us gentle, good, faithful, humble, joyous, peaceful and loving. Amen
God Bless
