Scripture:
Acts 18:9-18
John 16:20-23
Reflection:
Most of us are familiar with the Global Positioning System. What does a GPS device do for us? It gives us directions. "Take this road; turn here; oops, recalculating; go straight ahead; get ready to turn; avoid cliff; stay the course." But before the GPS can give us directions, we have to tell it our destination. So what is our destination?
In John’s gospel, chapter 10, Jesus says, "I came so that they may have life and have it abundantly." (John 10:10) Life, abundant life. That is our destination.
In John’s gospel, chapter 14, Jesus says, "I will ask the Father and he will give you another Advocate to be with you always…" (John 14:16)The Holy Spirit is called the Paraclete. Paraclete means someone "called to the side" of another to be guide, protector, comforter, counselor and friend. In other words, the Holy Spirit is like a GPS to life, to happiness.
During these days before Pentecost we are reminded of the role the Holy Spirit plays in our lives. If we listen carefully, we will hear the Holy Spirit guide us to our destination. Among other directions, the Spirit will tell us not to be afraid and to keep on spreading the Good News (today’s Epistle). The Spirit will lead us to shout to God with cries of gladness (Responsorial Psalm), filled with a joy no one can take from us (Gospel).
Come Holy Spirit, be our guide. Give us the wisdom to know what is right, and the courage to do what is right. Show us the way to abundant life. And thank you for loving us.
Fr. Alan Phillip, C.P. is a member of the Passionist Community at Mater Dolorosa Retreat Center, Sierra Madre, California. http://www.alanphillipcp.com/