Dear Brothers and Sisters:
The gospel for this Sixth Sunday of Easter (John 14:15-21) is a continuation of Jesus’ farewell address to the disciples that we heard last week. This was the discourse he gave the night before he died. Jesus is reminding his disciples that if they love him, they will keep his commandments, even after he has departed. The Jews call the Commandments the Ten Words of Life. It is a more apt description of them. When we walk in this “way” we will not make a mess; these Ten Words make life easier for us. God knows how we are made and what brings us true happiness. It is very different from what the world tells us.
Hopefully the families that receive First Communion this Sunday will see that Sunday is a day to rest, a day of the Lord, a day to be together. To live this way, to live as a Christian we need a helper, an Advocate, the Holy Spirit. A paraclete is someone who is called in to help when the person is in trouble or distress or has a doubt.
Jesus says that he will give us “another” Advocate. Well who is the first one? Jesus himself is the first one. The Holy Spirit will be the one who makes Christ present here today. On that day the gospel says. Which day is he referring to? We can say it is today; especially those who will receive Him for the first time, and all who receive him well in their hearts. You are in me and I am in you. Not just with you, Jesus says, but inside of you. This is what happens when you receive the Lord; he stays with you until the host, the bread, and the wine is digested. He is truly inside of you.
The Holy Spirit will also help us to see the truth, and not live as orphans, people without a father. Many people today do not have a father, or he is in another city, or country, or he left a long time ago. It makes it difficult for one to understand God as a father since their experience of a father is a poor one. However, Jesus promises that he will not leave us alone.
St. Peter says, blessed are you when you suffer because of the faith (1 Peter 3:15-18). And so you need always to be ready to give a reason for the hope that you have inside of you. When you are living your faith in a serious way God allows suffering. And Peter reminds us that it is better to suffer for doing good rather than doing evil. God in the end will take care of you. You don’t have to take life into your own hands: trust in Him. The ones who speak badly of you due to Christ will be put to shame one day. Be at peace and do not be afraid to speak of Him whenever you get a chance.