Daily Reflection – May 24, 2017

Wednesday 24 May 2017

First Reading: Acts 17:15, 22—18:1
Responsorial Psalm:
Heaven and earth are full of your glory.
Psalm 148:1-2, 11-12, 13, 14
Gospel Reading: John 16:12-15

Today’s Note: Wednesday of the Sixth Week of Easter

Gospel Reading:

Jesus said to his disciples:
“I have much more to tell you, but you cannot bear it now.
But when he comes, the Spirit of truth,
he will guide you to all truth.
He will not speak on his own,
but he will speak what he hears,
and will declare to you the things that are coming.
He will glorify me,
because he will take from what is mine and declare it to you.
Everything that the Father has is mine;
for this reason I told you that he will take from what is mine
and declare it to you.”

Reflection:

I have much more to tell you. (John 16:12)

Many of us are familiar with the television commercials that tell us, “But wait; there’s more!” Jesus has more for you too, and you don’t have to pay any additional shipping or handling charges. More knowledge, more wisdom, more understanding, more love—he wants them to be yours!

When Jesus spoke these words to his disciples, he knew that they were anxious and worried about the future. He had just told them that he was going away. He also told them that after he had gone, they would experience increased opposition and persecution. It was a lot to take in. All that they had learned from Jesus and experienced for themselves seemed insufficient as they faced the prospect of life without him.

Don’t you feel that way sometimes too? We all face times when we wish Jesus were right here with us, guiding us as he once guided the apostles. How encouraging, then, is his promise that the Holy Spirit will guide us in the truth!

The next time you feel that way, close your eyes and listen as Jesus tells you, “I may not be with you physically, but here is Someone who will keep speaking my words and revealing my love to you. Listen to him.”

Of course, very few of us will hear something as clear as a voice ringing in our ears. We will most likely experience the Spirit whispering in the privacy of our thoughts.

Perhaps today you will experience peace about a decision you are making. That could be the Spirit. As you consider a difficult situation or stressful conversation, you might suddenly think of a line from a hymn that lightens your heart. That could be the Spirit. A Scripture verse at Mass might strike you as something that could help one of your children. That also could be the Spirit. A friend might offer a word of advice that pierces your heart. Again, that could be the Spirit.

You are a unique creation of God, and he will tell you “more” in ways that fit the way he made you. Words, pictures, friends, feelings: there’s no end to the ways the Spirit speaks!

“Holy Spirit, open my ears and heart, thoughts and imagination, to hear you today.”