Sunday Gospel Reflection

May 26th – John 14:23-29

A peace the world cannot give is my gift to you

Jesus said to his disciples:

‘If anyone loves me he will keep my word,

and my Father will love him,

and we shall come to him and make our home with him.

Those who do not love me do not keep my words.

And my word is not my own:

it is the word of the one who sent me.

I have said these things to you while still with you;

but the Advocate, the Holy Spirit,

whom the Father will send in my name,

will teach you everything

and remind you of all I have said to you.

Peace I bequeath to you, my own peace I give you,

a peace the world cannot give,

this is my gift to you.

Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid.

You heard me say: I am going away, and shall return.

If you loved me you would have been glad to know that I am going to the Father,

for the Father is greater than I.

I have told you this now before it happens,

so that when it does happen you may believe.

Take a moment & reflect

– with Monsignor Robert Draper

In the Acts of the Apostles Luke recounts several incidents, like today, when the early church gradually stepped away from its Jewish roots. Luke tends to make the development seem orderly and calm – after all Luke is always insistent that all this is the work of the Holy Spirit guiding the church. Nonetheless what happened was very radical in practice. It is also interesting for us to note what things the apostles and elders in Jerusalem regarded as essential – probably not a list we would draw up today! It is always worth pointing out to those who are uncomfortable with change and innovation that it has always been thus – the church living in the world is constantly adapting its practice so as to be able to engage with the people and culture of the time; while at the same time holding firm to “the word” that Jesus has given. That is why in today’s gospel Jesus tells the apostles that the Father will send the Holy Spirit, the Advocate, to teach them everything and “remind you of all I have said to you.” The Holy Spirit that the elders and apostles in Jerusalem invoke in making their decision is the same Spirit that Jesus has promised will remain with the church, and is operative today in the lives of believers.

Ask Yourself…

Have you witnessed change and/or innovation in your church?

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