Gospel Reflection June 8 – Kim VanHuffel
Sunday, June 8
Pentecost Sunday
John 14:15-16, 23b-26
Gospel:
Jesus said to his disciples:
“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.
“Whoever loves me will keep my word,
and my Father will love him,
and we will come to him and make our dwelling with him.
Those who do not love me do not keep my words;
yet the word you hear is not mine
but that of the Father who sent me.
“I have told you this while I am with you.
The Advocate, the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send in my name,
will teach you everything
and remind you of all that I told you.”
Gospel Reflection:
There are two options for Gospel readings today for Pentecost in Year C. I chose this particular Gospel passage because it talks specifically about the Holy Spirit being sent to us to assist us in our lives. In our Adult Faith Formation study groups on Wednesdays and Thursdays, we have been watching a 14-week series featuring Fr. Dave Pivonka about different aspects of the Holy Spirit. It is called The Wild Goose. The number one comment in our small group discussions during this series has been that most people in the room have never really thought deeply about the Holy Spirit in their lives.
In this passage, we learn that God will send the apostles “another advocate” in Jesus’ name when he leaves. Why “another” advocate? Because Jesus was our first advocate, or intercessor with God. Advocate is also translated as counselor, comforter, and all-around helper. The Holy Spirit is “another” of the same that Jesus was. He will continue Jesus’ mission by teaching us everything and reminding us of all that Jesus told us. So while the apostles would no longer have Jesus in the flesh, they would not be left alone to their own devices. The key to receiving the help of the Holy Spirit is to love Jesus, and then the Holy Spirit will help us to keep Jesus’ commandments, which are not his, but are from the Father who sent him.
So while this passage is really rich in language tying the Holy Trinity together, it is specifically saying that we SHOULD rely on the Holy Spirit. He is there to help us. To give us the words we need in difficult situations. To comfort us and lead us to the truth during hard times. To simply be there with us, and in us.
The beauty of what we have learned in our Wednesday/Thursday study groups is that while the Holy Spirit is always with us, it is when we call on him actively that things start changing in our lives. We find the right words for that difficult conversation. We are able to accept situations in our lives and indeed follow the commandments even if it is not easy. All we have to do is pray “Come Holy Spirit” and our entire perspective changes and is more aligned with God’s will. So join us in praying “Come Holy Spirit” this Pentecost, and during times of need.
Kim VanHuffel
Pastoral Associate
