Reflections from the May 1 Gospel
John 14:23-29
“Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid.” Can we hear Jesus saying these words to us? It’s often easier for us to imagine the apostles hearing this consoling command and following it, than to think of it really applying to us. After all, Jesus was standing right there with them. Can he really expect us, two thousand years later, not to be troubled by the cares of life? But the fact is that the gift Jesus was giving to his disciples, he has also given to us: “The Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name.”
Jesus told them that peace would be theirs, and it can also be ours. Peace is, in fact, one of the fruits of the Holy Spirit, along with love, joy, patience, kindness, goodness, generosity, gentleness, faithfulness, modesty, self-control, and chastity. These fruits don’t come from us. These fruits come from God straight into our souls through the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit. Through our baptism and confirmation, Jesus gives us the gift of his Spirit. And then his peace, and so many other gifts can truly become ours if we open our hearts to them.
Questions of the Week
John 14:23-29:
How does the Holy Spirit help you
when your heart is troubled?
Acts 15:1-2, 22-29:
Do you agree with the decision of the Council of Jerusalem? Why or why not?
Revelation 21:10-14, 22-23:
What do you find most interesting about the description of the heavenly Jerusalem?