THE WORD BECAME FLESH

Monday of the Sixth Week of Easter, 2023 

Acts 16:11-15

Ps 149

John 15:26-16:4a

When the Advocate Comes...

In the gospel reading this morning (Jn 15:26-16:4a) Jesus expresses concern lest the faith of his disciples might be shaken. He shows an awareness that suffering is likely to come their way, in the form of persecution and hostility, and suffering might be undermining their faith in him. 

The words of Jesus to his disciples can speak to our experience. Our faith can be shaken by various experiences. Some personal suffering, the efforts of others to undermine our faith, the failures of people of faith whom we trusted – all of these experiences and many others can contribute to our faith being shaken. Yet, in the gospel reading Jesus promises to send his disciples, and that includes us all, the Advocate, the Paraclete, the Comforter and the Holy Spirit, to confirm us in our faith when that faith risks being shaken to the core. 

The Spirit, according to the gospel reading, will help us to continue witnessing to the Lord. The Spirit will be the Lord’s strength in our weakness. According to our first reading, the Spirit empowered Paul to witness in Philippi. The people, to whom he gave the gospel, like the woman, Lydia, gave the gospel back to him in the form of an offer of hospitality. When we allow the Spirit to witness through us, we too will receive the gospel back from others in one shape or form.

Let us pray: O merciful God, fill our hearts, we pray, with the graces of your Holy Spirit, with love, joy, peace, patience, gentleness, goodness, faithfulness, humility, and self-control. Amen.

+Remain blessed