Friends, today is the sixth Sunday of Easter Year A. As we approach the feast of Pentecost, our Mother Church invites us to celebrate the coming of the Advocate. She calls us to celebrate the Spirit of truth, which strengthens us in the proclamation of the good news. Jesus promises that He will not leave His followers alone. The Holy Spirit is our guide, our strength, and our helper. The readings of today also encourage us to trust in God, share our faith, and live in obedience to His teachings. Lord, thank You for the gift of the Holy Spirit. Help me to trust in Your presence and follow Your ways. Give me the courage to share my faith with others and the wisdom to live in obedience to You. Strengthen my love for You each day.
Friends, our first reading is a continuation of the efforts of the disciples of Christ to bear testimony to the risen Lord. Through their efforts, the Samaritans received their Sacraments of Baptism and Confirmation. Peter performed his episcopal function on this day by laying hands upon the new converts. Brothers and sisters, the Samaritans needed the Holy Spirit as much as we do today because it is the Holy Spirit that strengthens and makes one a true soldier of Christ (CCC1303-4). He helps us to bear witness to the truth without fear; “You have not received the Spirit of timidity, but the Spirit of sonship. The Spirit bears witness that we are God’s Children” (Rom 8, 15-16). This same Spirit resurrected Christ and gives life to our mortal body (Rom 8: 11). As the principal agent of evangelization, He confirms the truth we preach.
Friends, in the second reading of today, Peter encouraged us to have reverence for Christ. He also admonished us to treat others with respect, even those who despise the gospel we preach. He reminds us of the animating power of the Holy Spirit even in the life of Christ: “In the body, he was put to death; in the spirit, he was raised to life.” The same spirit that raised Jesus sustains us in the truth. This means that once the Spirit of God comes upon us, we become active for Christ because “What gives life is the spirit of God (John 6, 63).
Friends, in the Gospel of today, Jesus promises His disciples that they will not be left alone. He tells them that He will ask the Father to send the Holy Spirit, the Advocate, who will be with them forever. This is a great promise of comfort and strength for His followers. Jesus also says that He will not leave His followers as orphans. This is a reminder that God is always near us. Even when we feel abandoned, He is with us. The Holy Spirit connects us to God and to one another. Brothers and sisters, Jesus tells His disciples that the Holy Spirit will teach them and remind them of everything He has said. This is important for all who share the Gospel. We do not have to rely only on our own knowledge or strength. The Holy Spirit helps us speak and act in a way that brings others closer to God. The early Christians trusted in the Holy Spirit, and amazing things happened. People heard the message of Jesus, believed, and were baptized. The Holy Spirit worked through the apostles and gave them courage. Even in difficult times, they continued to share the Good News. We do not have to be afraid, because the Holy Spirit is with us. When we trust in God’s guidance, we can help others know His love. The Lord be with you …may the Almighty God bless you, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. I wish you a Joyful Sunday and a prayerful Easter season.
