May 16, 2022

Jn 14: 21-26

They who have my commandments and keep them are those who love me; and those who love me will be loved by my Father, and I will love them and reveal myself to them.” Judas (not Iscariot) said to him, “Lord, how is it that you will reveal yourself to us, and not to the world?” 

Jesus answered him, “Those who love me will keep my word, and my Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them. Whoever does not love me does not keep my words; and the word that you hear is not mine, but is from the Father who sent me.

”I have said these things to you while I am still with you. But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything, and remind you of all that I have said to you.

New Revised Standard Version, copyright 1989, by the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. USCCB approved.

The Holy Spirit is With Us

“The Advocate…will teach you everything, and remind you of all that I have said to you.” 

These are comforting words from today’s Gospel. I often think about how the apostles spent time with the person of Jesus–they traveled with him, ate with him, and had beautiful conversations with their Rabbi, mentor, and friend. The relationship the disciples have with Jesus is not necessarily the same one we have with him today. I think we often wish we could spend time with Jesus the way the disciples did, and that we could have that same relationship with him. But today’s words are comforting, because it promises a much deeper, more intimate relationship. The Holy Spirit is present with us and guides us, continually reminding us of God’s presence. 

Take a deep breath. Exhale. Remember that God’s Spirit is present with you.

—Lindsay Horn is an Associate Director of Youth Ministry at the Jesuit Spiritual Center in Milford, Ohio.

Prayer

In The Name of Love

In the Name of Love, we have come.
In the Name of Love, we are here.
And, in the Name of Love we will go.
Knowing in our Hearts and in our Souls
that what we have experienced is truly Divine.

—Dennis Yount