Jn 14: 21-26
They who have my commandments and keep them are those who love me; and those who love me will be loved by my Father, and I will love them and reveal myself to them.” Judas (not Iscariot) said to him, “Lord, how is it that you will reveal yourself to us, and not to the world?” Jesus answered him, “Those who love me will keep my word, and my Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them. Whoever does not love me does not keep my words; and the word that you hear is not mine, but is from the Father who sent me.
”I have said these things to you while I am still with you. But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything, and remind you of all that I have said to you.
New Revised Standard Version, copyright 1989, by the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. USCCB approved. http://www.usccb.org/bible/approved-translations
Courage in the Spirit
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
Prayer
Your Spirit, Lord, is fire: may it enkindle us with love.
Your Spirit, Lord, is prayer:
may it open our hearts to give praise.
Come to us, Spirit of the Lord!
—Lucien Deiss