Monday of the Fifth Week of Easter
John 14: 21-26
The Gift of the Holy Spirit

In today’s Gospel, the Lord consoles us with a great promise: “The Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything and remind you of all I told you” (Jn 14:26). Jesus speaks these words before His Passion, at a time of sadness and uncertainty for the disciples. Yet even then, He does not leave them alone — and He does not leave us alone. He sends us the Holy Spirit, the Paraclete, the Gift of God, to stay with us forever.

Pope Francis in one of his homilies during the Easter Season in 2020 explained this passage this way: “The Holy Spirit is our companion, our support. He teaches us: not with new ideas, but by making Jesus’ words alive in us. Faith is not static, it grows like a tree — always rooted, but reaching higher, bearing fruit. The Spirit helps us understand, little by little, the greatness of Christ’s love.

The Spirit also reminds us — He awakens the memory of our hearts. He reminds us of all that the Lord has done in our lives so that we do not forget that we are loved, chosen, and saved.

The Holy Spirit helps us discern in our daily choices, lighting the way and helping us choose what is right and good. If we call on Him, He will not fail us. He is the quiet voice guiding us, the gentle hand lifting us when we fall.

The Holy Spirit is the great Gift of God. Let us not leave this Gift unopened! Let us welcome Him into our hearts, allowing ourselves to be taught, reminded, and guided by the Spirit, so that, even amid the storms of life, we may always walk forward with the joy and hope of the Risen Lord.

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Cum Approbatione Ecclesiastica 2025