Message of Abbot Paul - Monday 23rd May

Abbot Paul • May 22, 2022

Message from Fr Paul for Monday, 23rd May 2022

In two weeks’ time we will be celebrating the great solemnity of Pentecost, more popularly known in English as Whitsun, referring to the Holy Spirit in the form of a white dove that descended on Jesus after his baptism. In the course of this week, on Thursday, we will keep the solemnity of the Ascension, at which Jesus promised his disciples the gift of the Holy Spirit, the power that comes from on high. Today, then, we read from chapters 15 and 16 of John, (Jn 15:26 - 16:4), where Jesus also promises his disciples the gift of the Holy Spirit during his Farewell Discourse at the Last Supper. John has packed an enormous amount to teaching into that discourse.

Jesus says to them:

“When the Advocate comes,

whom I shall send to you from the Father,

the Spirit of truth who issues from the Father,

he will be my witness.

And you too will be witnesses,

because you have been with me from the outset.”

Jesus calls the Holy Spirit the Paraclete, in Greek παράκλητος, which means advocate or helper, indicating that he is the essential helper, protector, instructor, advocate and strength of Christians. The presence of the Paraclete guarantees that Christ will continue to live and work in his disciples. In fact, the Spirit will witness to Jesus in his disciples who in turn become witnesses of the truth. Jesus sends us the Spirit from the Father, for he originates from the Father and is the Spirit of truth.

Then comes a further warning, one of many, that the disciples will suffer on account of their faith in Jesus.

“I have told you all this that your faith may not be shaken.

They will expel you from the synagogues,

and indeed the hour is coming

when anyone who kills you

will think he is doing a holy duty for God.

They will do these things

because they have never known

either the Father or myself.

But I have told you all this,

so that when the time for it comes

you may remember that I told you.”

Of course, these words are also meant for us. Jesus’ loving care for us is such that he does not want our faith to be shaken by suffering and persecution. Our own experience of persecution is more likely to be in the form of criticism or ridicule, a more subtle form of attack, but one that is equally wearing and distressing. Young people often experience this at school or later at university or among their work mates. On the other hand, there is also great respect for those who are true to their faith and stick to their ideals, not following current trends and fashions.

Let us pray that the gift of the Holy Spirit will always give us strength and courage to be faithful disciples of Jesus, true to our faith and witnesses to the truth.

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