Did you smile when reading Paul’s loud call to the crippled man, “Stand up! On your feet!” I can imagine that each of us—no matter our age— has heard similar words from parents, teachers, employers, mentors, friends. Maybe I was cowering on a diving board; maybe I was paralyzed while searching for a job; maybe I was stuck in a relationship and needed to move things forward. Perhaps I huddled in a corner through my lack of trust. What changed? Most likely a teacher, parent, good friend brought words of courage like those Paul spoke to the cripple.
Today’s gospel offers courageous assurance for whatever challenge today may bring. Jesus says: “The Paraclete, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will instruct in everything, and remind you of all that I told you.”
—The Jesuit prayer team