Reflections from the May 22 Gospel
John 16:12-15
“The Spirit of truth … will take from what is mine and declare it to you.” Jesus says in today’s Gospel that the Spirit declares something to us. We actually have a kind of share in the blessed life of the Trinity through this spiritual declaration. In particular, God gives us the gift of his truth. Today’s reading reminds us that truth exists, that it comes from God, and that we can know it, hear it, and live according to it. “But when he comes, the Spirit of truth, he will guide you to all truth.”
These days, the very idea of truth is a touchy subject. Because there is so much focus on tolerance and not offending anyone, we tend to shy away from discussions about “absolute” truth. Instead, we hear a lot of talk about “what’s true for me” or “what’s true for you.” But truth does not change. Either Jesus is God, or he isn’t. Either his claims were true or they weren’t. The Holy Spirit helps to convince us of what is really right. But we needn’t fear that this will lead us to be intolerant. It is this same Spirit within us that brings the fruits of love, peace, patience, kindness, and generosity.
Questions of the Week
John 16:12-15:
Can you think of how the Holy
Spirit has guided you to truth?
Proverbs 8:22-31:
What surprises you most abut wisdom in today’s reading from Proverbs?
Romans 5:1-5:
What insight into the Trinity do you gain from Paul’s Letter to the Romans?