6th Sunday of Easter Year C: Rev Fr Julian O Ekeh
Theme: THE PROMISE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
(John 14:23–29)
The Church calls on us to listen to the promise made by Jesus. The promise is one that brings about presence, a presence with essence, an essence that cannot be dismissed. Yes, the Spirit of Christ is a vital force we can’t live without. Jesus cannot fathom leaving His disciples without assuring them of His Divine assistance. The assistance of the Holy Spirit comes in different ways at different moments. Hence Jesus disposes them of some of the tasks the Holy Spirit will do in their midst and in their lives namely:
COUNSELLOR:
Jesus anticipated the human elements that will try to suppress and overshadow the divine will. Hence the need for the Spirit. Jesus foresaw the battle between the flesh and the spirit, hence the need for the fortification. Jesus took cognisance of the confusions that may set in with His departure and devices a way out. Jesus could sense the running helter-skelter for information and won’t want His followers to plunge into deformation by misinformation therefore He promises a way out. Do we face crisis, confusion and indecision? Jesus points out to us a true friend to guide us and save us from spiritual mistakes. He is the Holy Spirit.
TEACHER
The teacher is the one who impacts knowledge. He is one who leads one out of ignorance. He ensures that the pupil knows the truth. And Jesus says you shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free. In the work of teaching, the Holy Spirit takes up an ongoing task. He ensures that the mind of Christ is made clearer to the disciples. Are you in doubt of the will of God for you? Have you been made to believe false to be truth and truth to be false? Are you in the classroom of the Father of all lies or under the foot of Jesus the way, truth and life? What do you really know about your faith? Are you docile to the promptings and teachings as well as the inspirations of the Holy Spirit? Are you an unteachable student in the school of the Holy Spirit? Are you an attentive student? Do you take seriously the various packages the Holy Spirit has endowed upon the Church for your growth? May the Holy Spirit teach us and may we take the instructions He speaks into our lives daily.
REMINDER
Remembrance is a difficult thing to do most of the time. Jesus knew His disciples are likely going to forget. Shortly after His death some of them forgot the instruction to stay at the upper room, they forgot even that Jesus would rise again. Peter even forgot he promised to follow Jesus to the very end.
A lot of us learnt a lot about our Christian Faith at pedagogy. Some of us learnt a lot of prayers. We were taught a lot of Christian values. But today where are we? We have forgotten or we live as those who have lost their memory. We seem not to remember our initial zeal, we seem not to take seriously our expected commitment, we are preoccupied by cares of life like the apostles who went back to their fishing. Jesus promises to send the Holy Spirit as a reminder to always keep us conscious of our own promises and of the demands of the teachings we received.
Do you still remember? If yes, kudos! If no, pay heed to the Holy Spirit who will never fail to remind you as He reminded the apostles.
RESTORER OF CONFIDENCE
Jesus knew that His going away physically may bring fear, heartbreak and uncertainties. He knew well the troubles they will face. He promised them His Spirit who will protect them from harm and give joy and peace to their troubled hearts.
What troubles are you facing? Do you know that Christ in His omniscience has prepared the Holy Spirit to see you through? Can you hear these words and experience peace in your heart: “Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid”. Receive back your confidence as a child of God, for through this promise Jesus assures you that the Spirit is not of fear but of courage which makes us cry ABBA FATHER.
May God bless His word in our hearts.
LET US PRAY
Thank You Lord Jesus Christ for Your assuring promises today. We pray that You fulfil the promise of sending us Your Spirit. May we be disposed to allow the Third Person of the Holy Trinity to use us. May His auction so function in us to the glory of God the Father and You Our Lord Jesus Christ who lives and reigns for ever and ever. Amen
Happy Sunday (6th Week of Easter Yr C)
Rev Fr Julian O Ekeh