"Now I am going to the one who sent me...I will send [the Advocate.]" John 16:5,7
When I was a child, I was crazy about my mother's brothers, uncles who doted on me, the youngest of six. My dad had died when I was two, so they were more solicitous than normal, perhaps. One uncle in particular, Danny, was "seasonal". He worked as a bartender at the racetracks in Florida in the winter, New England in the summer. I hated to hear that he was leaving to go back to Florida. That must be how the disciples felt on hearing these words, "I am going...". "No, don't go! Stay here, please." All analogies limp: Danny sent oranges and coconut candy dipped in chocolate (my favorite at the time) while Jesus sends the Advocate, the one who will strengthen the disciples' faith. And so it is with us! Jesus sends us the Spirit to strengthen our faith, to convince us that sin is a rejection of Christ. The Spirit convinces us that Jesus is alive and active in our lives because of the Resurrection. This Easter faith is as demanding on us a Calvary. It asks us to open ourselves to the life-giving words of Jesus about the God's love, about loving one another, about forgiveness, and about offering peace to one another. Yes, we need help with that. Jesus sends the Spirit. Alleluia!
Does my faith need strengthening?
Come, Holy Spirit, convince me of the power of the Resurrection and fill my heart with generous love. Amen.
Reflection by:
Sr. Cathy Cahill
Did you know...
Sister Cathy Cahill, OSF, is a Franciscan Sister of Allegany who has been ministering in the diocese since 1989, primarily in retreat work and spiritual direction, She is a member of the community at St. Clare Convent in Tampa.
