Contents
Introduction
While some events are self-explanatory, others need to be interpreted. Again, sometimes, the meaning portrayed by some events are not what people understand. For instance, the disciples to Emmaus understood Jesus’ mission from their own perspective. That is, they understood Jesus’ mission to be that of a political warrior. Hear them “…we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel. Not only this, but it is now the third day since these things happened” (Luke 24:21). Because Jesus could not fulfil their disoriented expectations, they were disappointed and were going back in anger. Jesus appeared in their midst and reminded them that his mission was another as prophesied by the prophets. The same thing is applicable to his resurrection. People interpret it differently according to their wish. No doubt, Jesus died for the sake of humanity, but what does this mean? We have tried to explain this by underlining the fruits of the resurrection in the past four Sundays. With and through the resurrection of Jesus, Christians are bound to be in communion or fellowship with one another and with the entire people.
Another Paraclete
“I shall ask the Father, and he will give you another Paraclete to be with you forever….” (John 14:16). Continuing, Jesus specifies that this another Paraclete is the spirit of truth, to be rejected by the world because it is ignorant of it. The Greek term parakletos has many meanings. The term paraclete as used above is a transliteration of the Greek parakletos. Parakletos has various significances in English. For instance, it is an advocate, intercessor, counsellor, protector, support, and comforter. Each of these terms portrays the role of the Holy Spirit. That is the Holy Spirit advocates, intercedes, counsels, protects, supports, and comforts. Therefore, the Holy Spirit is an Advocate, an Intercessor, a Counsellor, Protector, Supporter, and Comforter. No wonder Jesus insisted on sending the Holy Spirit to the disciples.
Conclusion
The central message of this Sunday’s readings is on the spiritual standing of Christians. It is the Holy Spirit that assures perfect spirituality. To receive this gift and be equipped with this spirit, we must accept the message like the Samaritans and prove our love for God by keeping to his instructions. Our search and desire for God should be selfless. We seek God not because of what Albert Einstein said. According to him, “the desire for guidance, love, and support prompts men to form the social or moral conception of God. This is the God of Providence, who protects, disposes of, rewards, and punishes; the God who, according to the limits of the believer’s outlook, loves and cherishes the life of the tribe or of the human race, or even of life itself; the comforter in sorrow and unsatisfied longing; he who preserves the souls of the dead. This is the social or moral conception of God.” Jesus observed that the world will reject the spirit of truth which he will ask the Father to send. Let us not be among those who reject the source of wisdom, enlightenment, success, and spiritual and physical well-being. We must let the whole world know that God is faithful (cf. Second Reading) and he never tires of Fathering and Mothering those who love and obey him. God comforts us to make us comforters, not to make us comfortable (J. H. Jowett). Learn to comfort others so you can be comforted. Notwithstanding your many problems, God never leaves his children orphans. Do your part and leave the rest to God. Have a fulfilled week. Shalom!
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