By Praveen Bandula csc –
Readings: Acts 17: 15, 22-18:1; Jn 16: 12-15
Jesus is assuring us as a guide who reveals the truth and gives us an understanding about God. What Jesus preached during his lifetime was not fully understood by his disciples.
He assured them that they would not be left alone after his departure, that a consoler would come in his name to guide them towards truth. The one who comes after Jesus is not an unknown person, but he comes from God. We strongly believe that after the resurrection it is the Holy Spirit who is fully active in the Christian community.
In the first reading, St. Paul urges people to repent because the one who comes from God will judge us according to our righteousness. After the resurrection, the Holy Spirit came upon the disciples. He filled them with joy and courage so that they could proclaim good news of Jesus Christ boldly. Secondly, we too understand through gospel reading the relationship among God, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. They live in communion with one another as inseparables. Their understanding and communion must be taken in our lives too as an example.
We live in families and communities with lots of difference of opinions and ideas, but we may not form a good relationship among ourselves. It is an invitation for you and me to take Holy Trinity as a best example to live in good communion. So, let us ask the Almighty God to give us Holy Spirit to understand what he expects from us to live in good communion with others.