‘The Father will give you another Advocate to be with you forever’
Eastertide is nearly at an end. There is a sense that an important event is about to happen. As the readings this week seek to reassure us, we will not be left without comforting support.
In the First Reading, we see how active the Apostles are in spreading the Good News. They are welcomed even in Samaria and the people receive the Holy Spirit.
The Psalm expresses the joy they must have felt. We can imagine the grateful disciples praying: ‘Before you all the earth shall bow, shall sing to you, sing to your name!’
But all was not plain sailing for these new communities. They often encountered persecution (Second Reading). Peter tries to encourage them, reminding them of the sufferings of the innocent Jesus. They are to answer their accusers with courtesy and respect.
In the Gospel, Jesus reassures his friends. He will not leave them without support, as ‘orphans’, but will ask his Father to send them help after he has left. The Spirit of truth will be with them.
In my prayer this week, I may want to reflect on Jesus’s promises and draw strength from them, so that I can speak to others about my beliefs with greater confidence. I continue to ask Father, Son and Spirit to inspire all peoples to work for peace.
