Reflection for May 11 Monday of the Sixth Week of Easter: John 15:26—16:4a

Gospel: John 15:26-16:4a

(Jesus said to his disciples) “When the Advocate comes whom I will send you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, he will testify to me. And you also testify, because you have been with me from the beginning. 

“I have told you this so that you may not fall away. They will expel you from the synagogues; in fact, the hour is coming when everyone who kills you will think he is offering worship to God. They will do this because they have not known either the Father or me. I have told you this so that when their hour comes you may remember that I told you.”

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Reflection:

Who is the Advocate in our lives?

We know that the Advocate is the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit gently moves within our hearts, guiding us, strengthening us, and whispering to us to always choose what is good, loving, and pleasing to God. Whenever we listen to the gentle promptings of the Spirit, we are led toward peace, truth, and the kind of life that draws us closer to Jesus.

Yet, there are many among us who still do not know the Holy Spirit deeply. Some have not yet learned to listen to the Spirit’s voice, while others may no longer recognize the Spirit’s loving presence because of pain, distractions, or the struggles of daily life.

As followers of Christ, we have a beautiful mission. We are called to help others encounter the Holy Spirit, our Advocate and Guide. Through our words, our actions, our kindness, and our witness, we gently lead others toward God’s presence. We patiently encourage, guide, and accompany them so that they, too, may experience the comfort, wisdom, and love of the Holy Spirit.

And when people begin to open their hearts to the Spirit, we humbly step aside and allow God to continue the work within them. For it is not we who change hearts, but the Holy Spirit working silently and powerfully in every soul.

In this world, we are called to be the visible presence of Jesus. People come to know Christ through the love we share, the humility we practice, the gentleness we show, and the compassion we extend to others, especially to those who are hurting, forgotten, or lost. Through these simple yet meaningful acts, we help others become aware that they are never alone because the Advocate walks with them.

Therefore, let us continually strive to live like Jesus each day, allowing the Holy Spirit to guide our thoughts, words, and actions. 

Are we allowing the Holy Spirit to truly move within us so that others may encounter Jesus through the way we live and love?— Marino J. Dasmarinas