This is not a promise to each of us personally, but to the Church as a whole

Reading: When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. John 16:13.

Good morning, happy Wednesday, and many blessings.

In today's Gospel (John 16: 12-15) Jesus speaks once again of the unique relationship that exists between God, the Spirit, and him. Of course, it is not that they are three but rather manifestations of the same divinity. We can add being a mother and a Friend. I adore God, whose mystery is too great for me to comprehend, yet he is even more mysteriously open to me, sharing his life and his truth with me.

Here is Jesus, nearing his own death, and he is pouring out the depth of his love for his followers. He spoke these words at the Last Supper, as he gathered with his disciples, sharing life with them. His words and actions comforted and strengthened them in ways that only the Holy Spirit might help them to understand.

If you have had the experience of being with someone you loved as they are close to death, then you will know how significant what they have to say to you will be. Perhaps you will remember their words, how they said them and some of the emotions that you had in that precious time. I hear Jesus say that he has much more to say to me. How do I feel about that? Am I, perhaps, afraid of what Jesus might ask of me? Am I afraid to listen to him, in case I hear something I don’t want to hear? I ask the Holy Spirit to guide me into the truth, and to help me to trust that what Jesus wants will always be life-giving for me.

What would Jesus have to say to me right now? What would be ‘too much ‘for me to hear?  What ‘things to come’ will the Spirit tell me? How well am I able to live with the truth? Jesus wants to draw us into the life of God. He knows how anxious we can be, both to let go of the past and to trust what the future will bring. Can I speak to him about my anxieties? I let go of all resistance. What do you want to say to me, Lord? Speak, for I am listening. I sit quietly with Jesus and allow him to speak to my heart.

The Holy Spirit has come to lead us to the complete truth. This is not a promise to each of us personally, but to the Church as a whole. It is important for my personal peace of mind that I trust the Church, despite the terrible things that have happened. Christ is with us always, to the end of the world.

Blessings,

Fr. Luis+