Today’s Reflection
Gospel: Jn 14: 15-21
May 14, 2023 | Sunday

Today’s Gospel

If you love me , you will keep my commandments; and I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper to be with you forever, the Spirit of truth whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he is with you, and will be in you. I will not leave you orphans, I am coming to you. A little while and the world will see me no more, but you will see me, because I live and you will also live. On that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you. Whoever keeps my commandments is the one who loves me. If he loves me, he will also be loved by my Father; I too shall love him and show myself clearly to him.”

One of the titles we attribute to the Holy Spirit is that of being “paraclete.” This comes from the Greek verb “par- akalein” which literally means “to console or comfort.” The Holy Spirit was sent by Jesus to console his disciples while he is away until he returns. The Holy Spirit continues to console us in the midst of worldly tribulations and persecutions, just as it has consoled the Church over the course of history. It does so in many ways, like by reminding us about the teachings of Jesus and by giving us the strength to weather difficulties and trials that come our way. The consolation afforded by the Holy Spirit is meant to be shared with others. We are consoled so that, in return, we too can console others. Indeed, we need this in our personal and community life. /Vulnerasti, 2023