“RISEN WITH CHRIST”
Easter Reflections
Sunday, 21st May 2017.
Sixth Week of Easter
Acts 8: 5-8, 14-17;
Ps 65: 1-7, 16, 20;
1 Pet 3: 15-18;
Jn 14: 15-21.
HOLY SPIRIT, THE HELPER
On this, the Sixth Sunday of Easter, we begin to turn our eyes toward the coming of the Holy Spirit. Jesus speaks of asking the Father to send another Advocate to be with us always. This Advocate is the Holy Spirit.
In the first reading, we hear about Philip. He arrived in Samaria and commenced to preach the gospel and to baptize those who adhered to the faith. The Spirit accompanied the work of this first missionary giving strength to his words and confirming his announcement with signs. The life of the people of that city changed radically and they were all filled with joy. The second part of the reading depicts the apostles Peter and John visiting the baptized in Samaria. Thetwo apostles lay their hands on the new Christians to communicate to them the Spirit. They wondered that the Samaritans baptized by Philip, had not received the Spirit. The divine presence lacked extraordinary outward manifestations that used to occur in the early days of the church. Luke relates this episode to make us understand that where the gospel is announced, there new communities spontaneously arise. However, they do not need to grow, develop and live in a completely autonomous and independent way. It is necessary that they establish bonds of communion with the universal church. Only then the Spirit will fully manifest itself in them.
In the Gospel, we see Jesus’ farewell message. The disciples are sad for Jesus’ departure, and the promise for the other Paraclete. Jesus clarifies that the Spirit could be received only by those who are in accord with him, with his plans and his works of love. The Spirit is called by two names. He is called Comforter (Paraclete) and the Spirit of truth.
Paraclete is a term indicating the one who is called to be beside. In ancient times, there was no establishment of lawyers; each defendant had to defend himself. It happened sometimes that some, though not guilty, was unable to prove his innocence. For him there remained one last hope: that from the assembly, a honorable person of moral integrity, without uttering any word, would get up and would go to place himself at his side. This gesture is equivalent to an acquittal. No one would have dared to ask for more condemnation. This “defender” is called the “Paraclete” that is, “one who is called to the side of another who finds himself in trouble.”Jesus promises his disciples another Paraclete, since they already have one, he himself. The Spirit is the Paraclete because he helps the disciples in their battle against the world that is against the forces of evil. John reminds the Christians of his community this truth so that, in the midst of the difficulties of life, they won’t be discouraged, despaired, not lose the serenity, peace of heart and joy. The disciple believes in the assistance of the Spirit. He is convinced of the strength of the Paraclete and he is sure not to be defeated.
The Spirit of truth works in the service of truth. The message of Jesus is destined to all people. It must be preached until the ends of the world. The Holy Spirit assures us that it won’t be corrupted, won’t undergo deviant interpretations. He does not impede only errors that are introduced in the transmission of the message of Christ. He introduces the disciples to the fullness of the truth. He is charged to introduce the disciples to the discovery of the whole truth. He will not say anything new or contrary to Jesus. He will help to capture Jesus’ message to the very end, until the very last consequences. The duty of Christians is to remain open to the impulse of the Spirit who always reveals new things. He is, by his nature, the one who renews the face of the earth (Ps 104:30).It is a sin against the Spirit to oppose the renewal, to refuse the innovations that favor the life of the community, that bring people closer to Christ and to the brethren, that increase the joy and peace, that help people to pray better and free the heart from useless fears.
If we are open to the coming of the Holy Spirit, we will receive the greatest Advocate we can have in life. The Holy Spirit is the only helper we need. Becoming consumed by the Holy Spirit provides us with every grace necessary in life. Say a prayer to the Holy Spirit and anticipate celebrating Pentecost Sunday in two weeks.
Prayer: O, God, who by the light of the Holy Spirit, did instruct the hearts of the faithful, grant that by the same Holy Spirit we may be truly wise and ever enjoy His consolations, Through Christ Our Lord. Jesus, I trust in You. Amen.