Homily for May 7, 2018.
“When the Advocate comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who comes from the Father, he will testify on my behalf.” John 15:26.
In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus, knowing fully well that his time to finally depart was approaching begins his talk to the disciples about the coming of the Holy Spirit. As we read this passage, we are called upon to place ourselves in the shoes of the disciples and begin our preparation for Pentecost.
Who is the Holy Spirit and why do we need Him?
As Jesus says, the Holy Spirit is the Advocate (or Counsellor according to other translations). An advocate in the court of law is a person who stands on one’s behalf in other to get a fair judgment in one’s favour. An advocate could be a person who helps another attain certain benefits from the higher authority. The advocate or counsellor is one who gives advice and support especially when we are in some kind of trouble.
Jesus describes the work of the Holy Spirit as that of Witnessing. This takes us again into the courtroom. When a case is to be established, a witness is called upon to give concrete evidence and backing to what was a mere belief or assumption. The Holy Spirit is not just our advocate, he is a witness in the case; he provides evidence, he confirms the truth about Jesus Christ in our lives.
The Holy Spirit helps to make clear things which may not be known by our natural senses, he brings to light what was rather shrouded in mystery, he enlightens, he inspires, he is there to provide a guide; he is the 6th sense of the Christian.
Whenever you are confused in life about which way to go, which choice to make or about why this or that happened, just say a little prayer to the Holy Spirit: “Come Holy Spirit, Come.” Say this prayer as many times as possible with every atom of faith you can muster. Say this prayer especially in moments of trouble.
When you look around and suddenly you realize you are alone, when your friends abandon you, when the things Jesus talks about in today’s Gospel passage begin to happen to you; when people kill you assuming they are rendering service to God, just call on the Holy Spirit.
When you are out on mission, remember that the Holy Spirit is the one to make the connections happen. As Paul and his companions travelled, they were successful not because of their eloquence or knowledge, but because the Holy Spirit touched the hearts of their listeners.
In the coming days, we shall hear more and more about the Holy Spirit, what he does and why we just cannot be Christians without him.
Let us pray: Come Holy Spirit, fill our hearts and enkindle in us your Sacred Fire. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Month of the 6th week of Easter. Year B. Bible Study: Acts 16:11-15 and John 15:26-16:4).
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