8 May, 2023 | Monday of the Fifth Week of Easter

May 07, 2023

Gospel Jn 14:21-26

Jesus said to his disciples:

""Whoever has my commandments and observes them

is the one who loves me.

Whoever loves me will be loved by my Father,

and I will love him and reveal myself to him.""

Judas, not the Iscariot, said to him,

""Master, then what happened that you will reveal yourself to us

and not to the world?""

Jesus answered and said to him,

""Whoever loves me will keep my word,

and my Father will love him,

and we will come to him and make our dwelling with him.

Whoever does not love me does not keep my words;

yet the word you hear is not mine

but that of the Father who sent me.

""I have told you this while I am with you.

The Advocate, the Holy Spirit

whom the Father will send in my name--

he will teach you everything

and remind you of all that I told you.""

Reflections:

Before his death Jesus prepared the heart of his disciples to remain steadfast no matter what storms await them ahead. Prior to his death he promised them he would send a helper who would comfort and strengthen them, a paraclete who will speak and guide on his behalf. His promised was fulfilled at Pentecost that renew itself in each believers who believe and pray for the out pouring of his spirit. One who has God abide in his heart he will fervently bear witness to his life and mission even to the point of martyrdom. The spirit of God will bring transformation not just to the one who has faith but to those with whom they come in contact.