Gospel
Jn 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

Once an Archbishop was discussing Christianity with a learned Japanese writer. The writer told the Archbishop, “I think I understand God the Father and God the Son, but I can never understand the significance of the Honorable.” Obviously, the Japanese writer was referring to the Third Person of the Trinity, the Holy Spirit.

In the gospel today Jesus speaks about this “Spirit,” or “Counselor” whom he promised to send to his disciples after he goes away. The apostles were filled with sorrow when Jesus spoke about his imminent departure. Jesus explained that it was for their sake that he must leave them and return to his Father. He promised, however, that they would never be alone. He will send in his place the best of friends, the Holy Spirit. Jesus calls the Holy Spirit our Counselor and Advocate. Counselor is a legal term for the one who will defend someone against an adversary and who guides that person during the times of his ordeal. The Holy Spirit is our Advocate and Helper who brings us safely through the challenges and adversities we face in life. The question is, do you pray to the Holy Spirit to strengthen you in faith, hope and love and to give you courage and perseverance in the face of adversities and trials?

We end with a prayer to the Holy Spirit:

“Holy Spirit of light and love, you are the substantial love of the Father and the Son; hear my prayer. Bounteous bestower of most precious gifts, grant me a strong and living faith which makes me accept all revealed truths and shape my conduct in accord with them. Give me a most confident hope in all divine promises which prompts me to abandon myself unreservedly to you and your guidance. Infuse into me a love of perfect goodwill, and act according to God's least desires. Make me love not only my friends but my enemies as well, in imitation of Jesus Christ who through you offered himself on the Cross for all people. Holy Spirit, animate, inspire, and guide me, and help me to be always a true follower of you. Amen.”