Reflection: John 14: 21-26
Today’s Gospel passage is from the farewell discourse of Jesus at the Last Supper. Today’s passage ends with this verse: “The Advocate, the Holy Spirit will teach you everything and remind you of all I told you” (14: 25-26). It is the promise of the Holy Spirit, who will accompany us in life. In Greek, the term Paràclete means the one who supports, who accompanies so that you don’t fall, who is close to you to support you. And the Lord promises us his support: “He will teach you everything and remind you of all that I have told you” (26). The Holy Spirit teaches us the mystery of faith, he teaches us to understand and develop our faith. And the faith is to love Jesus and to keep his Word. The promise of the Lord is huge: God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit will come and live within us when we love Jesus and keep his Word! It is the Holy Spirit who helps us to grow constantly in the Love of Jesus. Pope Francis says, “Faith is not static, it grows. It grows as the trees grow larger and bear fruits, but the tree is always the same. The Holy Spirit will help us grow in Love and lead us to maturity. The Holy Spirit is a reminder: “He will remind you of all that I have told you” (26). He is like memory; He keeps us always awake in the things of the Lord. Have we not experienced a voice deep within us telling us, “Go ahead! This is what the Lord wants you to do;” or “Watch out! The Lord would not want you to do this?” This is the promptings of the Holy Spirit. While listening to catechumens who are preparing for baptism, this is an often-heard story: “I studied in a Catholic school… or I had a liking for the Church and faith for some time, but then I was busy with my job and went along the wrong paths. Now, I think it is time to come back to Jesus….” They recall that initial love or spark they experienced towards Jesus when they were young and now they want to return. Pope Francis says, “this is the memory of the Holy Spirit in one’s life. He brings you to the memory of what Jesus taught. The Holy Spirit also bring us to the memory of our life’s journey. In this memory, he guides us to discern what is the right path and what is wrong, even in small decisions. If we ask the Holy Spirit for light, He will help us discern to make the right decisions, both the small ones of every day, and the greatest. He is who accompanies us, supports us in our discernment.