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 that 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.”
Jesus says that, at his departure, the Father will “give you another Advocate” (Jn 14:16), which points to Jesus as the first Advocate of the disciples (cf 1 Jn 2:1). As Advocate, Jesus defends the disciples against their detractors, especially against Satan and his minions. But the “work” for which Jesus has been sent will soon be completed. He will be present with them no longer as the rabbi of Nazareth but through the action of the Holy Spirit. The work, coming from the Father as the “great director” of the mission, remains Jesus’ work that is to be continued by the Spirit as the other Advocate.
In moments of crisis, severe testing, or weariness in faith, the disciples – then and now – should have resort to Jesus’ assurance that they are not left orphans: the Holy Spirit is with them.
Let us invoke the Holy Spirit: “Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of the faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love.”
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SOURCE: “365 Days with the Lord 2018,” ST. PAULS Philippines, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 895-9701; Fax 895-7328; E-mail: [email protected]; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.
