REFLECTION FOR TODAY
May 10, 2021
By Fr. Andrew Ibegbulem, OSA
Jesus said to his disciples: “When the Advocate comes whom I will send you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, he will testify to me. And you also testify because you have been with me from the beginning.” Jn. 15:26-27
Jesus informs His disciples that “the Spirit of truth” will come and that the Spirit, as well as the disciples, will “testify” to Him. When Jesus first spoke these words to His disciples, they would not have comprehended what He meant. Since these words are prophetic in nature, they are words spoken that were to come to fulfillment and then, once fulfilled, the words would be understood.
The indwelling of the Holy Spirit is meant to bring truth to our innermost being and boldness to bear witness to Christ, even in the face of opposition and persecution. Jesus expects us to expect opposition when we testify to Him because the world cannot receive Him. But through his death and resurrection, He overcame the world and as the Spirit reveals this truth, it gives us confidence.
The disciples and followers of Jesus could never have conceived that the movement started by Jesus was just beginning after His ascension. They never know they would share in the beginning of the Church, proclaim the gospel with courage and power, see the conversion of countless lives, witness the ongoing forgiveness of sins, and ultimately give their lives in imitation of our Lord.
These disciples had no idea just what awaited them with the coming of the Advocate, the Spirit of Truth. What was awaiting them was their sharing in the ability to “testify” to Jesus by the power of the Holy Spirit. They soon realized that Jesus was more alive than ever and that He was now going forth to convert souls by the power of the Holy Spirit and through the instrumentality of all His new disciples.
The same is true in our lives today. It is far too common for us Christians to simply believe in Jesus, personally, but then fail to wholeheartedly give testimony to Him by the transforming power of the Holy Spirit. It is far too common for followers of Christ to act more like the disciples prior to the coming of the Holy Spirit. Too often, Christians keep the gospel to themselves, fearful of giving testimony by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Reflect, today, upon these prophetic words of Jesus. Though these words were initially spoken to the Twelve, Jesus also speaks these words to you today. He wants you, too, to be a witness to Him, giving testimony to others so that they will come to believe. Reflect upon how well you fulfill this prophetic calling. Where you are lacking, pray for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit in your life so that God can reach many hearts through you.
Glorious Jesus, You promised to send upon Your disciples and also upon me the Holy Spirit, the Advocate and Spirit of Truth. Holy Spirit, I welcome You into my life and offer myself to You without reserve to be used to give testimony to the Truth. Please do use me, my God, and touch many lives through me. Jesus, I trust in You.