Tuesday of the Sixth Week of Easter
Or Optional Memorial of Saint Augustine of Canterbury, Bishop
John 16: 5-11
The Holy Spirit renews us with joy

Sadness is not a Christian attitude. Life is not always a Carnival — there are many struggles, sufferings, and crosses — but with the Holy Spirit, we can move forward. Today’s Gospel places the Holy Spirit at the centre. In His farewell discourse, Jesus consoles His disciples: “It is better for you that I go. If I do not go, the Advocate will not come to you” (cf. Jn 16:7). The disciples were sad, but Jesus invites them — and us — to hope.

The Holy Spirit is not distant. He is close, always near, like the name “Paraclete” suggests — one who stands beside us so that we do not fall. He renews us. He gives us joy. He makes our hearts young again. A Christian who is always sad is not fully Christian.

Even in pain, joy is possible. Look at Paul and Silas: imprisoned, beaten, chained — and yet they sang hymns in the darkness (cf. Acts 16). That is the joy of the Holy Spirit. It is not superficial happiness but the deep peace of knowing that we are not alone.

Too often, we think the Holy Spirit is like a “paralytic” — inactive, distant. But He is alive! He is the soul of the Church. He helps us repent, forgives our sins, gives us courage, and makes us young again — young with hope.

Sin ages the soul. The Spirit, on the other hand, renews. So let us speak to the Holy Spirit every day. Let us open our hearts to the Spirit who sustains us and helps us keep walking, singing, even in the midst of suffering.

Let us ask the Lord never to lose this youthfulness of spirit — to remain joyful Christians, carried forward by the breath of the Spirit. A true Christian never retires — because a true Christian always lives. Always young in the Spirit!

© Claretian Publications, Hong Kong, China
Cum Approbatione Ecclesiastica 2025