by Mark Escobar

Created on: January 02, 2010

Readings:  Acts 8:5-8, 14-17; Ps 66:1-3, 4-7, 16, 20; 1 Pt 3:15-18; Jn 14:15-21

The Promise of the Spirit

“If you love me you will keep my commandments.  And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate to be with you always, the Spirit of truth whom the world cannot accept, because it neither sees nor knows him.”

I still remember a few people who became part of my life – my history.  They helped me understand those phrases of logical reasoning; how to rationalize certain things..  They were people who helped me move into the wellspring of my journey with God’s presence and his mystery.  It is something that contains ways in which I can draw to touch the basic elements which I know but I cannot articulate.

            I start thinking how does God get involved in moments of pain and ask why he allows this thing to happen.  I refer in particular to our experience of death like in the family or in the religious community.  When someone we love and respect leaves the family or renounces his position due to health reason, scandal, or other better options elsewhere, we feel sad, don’t we? 

            Jesus in today’s gospel echoes his departure.  He now prepares his disciples for his leaving.  He now announces something that has to do with unity and love that would result in the disciples’ obedience[2], often called Advocate or Helper that will guide them and will abide with those who keep his teachings.  He tells them that they don’t have to fear against those who will reject them because of him.  Rather, they have to be courageous enough to take the challenge because his own Spirit will continue to teach, remind, encourage and show the way they should go for peace and harmony.  He also exhorts them to keep his commandments as an expression of love. 

            Jesus’ promise of his presence is revealed through the mystery of the Blessed Trinity.  He underscores the fact that though he will be away, the Holy Spirit will remain with them for the rest of their lives (cf. Rom 8:9).  Jewish believers find it difficult to believe since they have grown up believing that there is but one God to grasp.  On the other hand, Moslems claim the Spirit,[3] the

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