11-May-15

Gospel JN 15:26—16:4A
Jesus said to his disciples:
“When the Advocate comes whom I will send you from the Father, the Spirit
of truth who proceeds from the Father, he will testify to me. And you also
testify, because you have been with me from the beginning. “I have told you
this so that you may not fall away. They will expel you from the synagogues; in
fact, the hour is coming when everyone who kills you will think he is offering
worship to God. They will do this because they have not known either the
Father or me. I have told you this so that when their hour comes you may
remember that I told you.”
Reflection:
".....the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, he will testify to me."
The Holy Spirit comes to us from our Father in Heaven and speaks to our heart. Once the Spirit has opened our heart to the truth, there is no longer need for proof of the existence of God. Having been touched by the Spirit, knowledge of God is alive within us.
"And you also testify."
As the Spirit has witnessed to us, we are then compelled from within our hearts to witness to others of God's love for them.
This gospel passage vividly brings to mind what I have seen happen with so many students who come to serve at My Brother's Keeper.
Although they may have been raised in Christian families, most have never been in a situation where they have been called to give witness to their Christian beliefs.
Serving with our staff and volunteers, they observe others at the end of a furniture delivery present a crucifix with the words, "This is a gift for your home. We're just the delivery people. This is the man who sent you the furniture."
Eventually the student is offered the opportunity to present the crucifix and message. Initially nervous, often their reaction is to decline. However, with encouragement, the vast majority of students respond to the urgings of the Holy Spirit. Overcoming their fear, they step out in faith and give witness to Christ.
After giving the crucifix and saying the words, "This is the man who sent you the furniture," I ask the students how they felt about being part of our mission, "To bring the love and hope of Jesus Christ to others?"
They often tell me, "I was so nervous but once I did it, I felt great. It was such a rush, a natural high."
I smile and tell them," That feeling is the Holy Spirit touching your heart."

"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." Acts 1:8