Monday 11 May, Jn 15:26—16:4
In today’s Gospel, Jesus promises the coming of the Holy Spirit to His disciples: “When the Advocate comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, he will testify to me” (John 15:26). The word “Advocate” or “Paraclete” refers to one who stands beside another as helper, defender, comforter, and guide. In revealing the Holy Spirit, Jesus unveils the nearness and tenderness of God toward His children. The Holy Spirit is the eternal love shared between the Father and the Son, poured into our hearts to strengthen us in weakness, console us in suffering, and draw us into deeper communion with God. Through the Spirit, fearful hearts become courageous, troubled souls receive peace, and ordinary people are transformed into witnesses of divine truth. We see this clearly at Pentecost, when the Apostles who once hid behind locked doors came out boldly proclaiming Christ to the nations (Acts 2:1-4).
Jesus also tells the Apostles: “And you also are witnesses” (John 15:27). True Christian witness begins with a living relationship with Christ. One cannot speak convincingly about Jesus without first knowing Him personally. This intimacy grows through daily prayer, meditation on Sacred Scripture, faithful reception of the sacraments, obedience to God’s commandments, and communion with the Church. The saints became powerful witnesses because they allowed Christ to dwell deeply within them. Like Mary who said “yes” to God, like Peter who left everything to follow Christ, and like Paul whose life was transformed on the road to Damascus, every believer is called to encounter Jesus personally and allow that encounter to shape every aspect of life.
Moreover, authentic testimony must be visible in action. A witness is not merely someone who knows the truth, but someone who lives it courageously even when it is difficult. Jesus Himself taught that “by their fruits you will know them” (Matthew 7:16). The early Christians converted the ancient world not only through preaching, but through lives marked by charity, forgiveness, humility, and unwavering faith. The Good Samaritan showed love through action, not empty words (Luke 10:25-37). Likewise, Saint Stephen testified to Christ even unto death, forgiving his persecutors as Jesus forgave from the Cross (Acts 7:54-60). Our world today is in need of Christians whose lives reflect the Gospel, Christians who radiate kindness, purity, justice, mercy, and compassion. People may ignore sermons, but they cannot easily ignore a holy life.
Pope Francis once reflected with gratitude on the witness of Christians who joyfully sacrifice their lives and time for others. Their example, he said, encourages us to overcome selfishness and give ourselves more generously in love. He also urged Christian communities everywhere to offer a radiant witness of fraternal communion, because genuine love among believers becomes a powerful light in a darkened world. Indeed, when Christians live united in charity, they reflect the very life of the Trinity and become living signs of God’s presence among His people. As Jesus declared, “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another” (John 13:35). God bless you.
Tuesday 12 May, Jn 16:5-11.
Today’s Gospel invites us to enter more deeply into the mystery of the Ascension of the Lord, not as the departure of Jesus from humanity, but as His glorious entrance into the fullness of the Father’s presence. On Easter morning, when Mary Magdalene encountered the risen Christ and longed to hold onto Him, Jesus told her: “Do not cling to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father” (John 20:17). In today’s Gospel, Jesus again prepares His disciples for this moment, saying: “Sorrow has filled your hearts because I told you these things. But I tell you the truth, it is better for you that I go” (John 16:6-7). The disciples struggled to understand how His departure could possibly be for their good. Yet Jesus reveals that His Ascension is not abandonment, but transformation, for by returning to the Father He opens the way for the coming of the Holy Spirit and for a new manner of remaining with His people.
This mystery of Christ going yet remaining with us was beautifully explained by Pope Benedict XVI, who taught that because Christ is with the Father, He is now close to every person in every place and every age. Before the Ascension, Jesus was physically present in one location at a time. After the Ascension, His presence becomes universal through the Holy Spirit, through the sacraments, through His Word, and through His Church. He remains Emmanuel, “God with us” (Matthew 1:23). He is present in the Eucharist, where His Body and Blood nourish the faithful. He is present when believers gather in His name (Matthew 18:20). He is present in the poor, the suffering, and the forgotten (Matthew 25:40). Though unseen by human eyes, Christ continues to walk with His people just as He walked with the disciples on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24:13-35).
Our hope rests firmly in the risen and ascended Christ. By conquering death, Jesus destroyed the power of the grave and opened for humanity the gates of eternal life. Saint Paul triumphantly declares that nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus, neither death nor life, neither suffering nor persecution (Romans 8:38-39). The Resurrection confirms that life is stronger than death, grace is stronger than sin, and light is stronger than darkness. When Jesus rose from the tomb, despair lost its final word. This is why the Apostles, once fearful and discouraged, became fearless witnesses ready to suffer and die for the Gospel. Peter who denied Christ became the rock of the Church. Thomas who doubted became a bold missionary. The same risen Lord who transformed them continues to strengthen believers today.
We live in a wounded and imperfect world where injustice, violence, sickness, and suffering can easily lead people into discouragement and pessimism. Like the prophet Elijah beneath the broom tree, many become weary and feel overwhelmed by the struggles of life (1 Kings 19:4-8). Yet the Ascension reminds us that Christ reigns above every pain and every darkness of this world. Christians are therefore not prisoners of hopelessness. We are people of hope because our destiny is not the tomb but eternal communion with God. Even amid trials, the living presence of Christ in our families, our communities, and our Church continues to renew us. Every act of love, every sacrifice, every prayer, every work of mercy becomes a sign that Christ is alive among His people.
Indeed, although He ascended into heaven, Jesus has never abandoned His Church. Before ascending, He gave His promise: “I am with you always, until the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20). He remains the Good Shepherd who guides His flock, the Vine who gives life to the branches (John 15:5), and the High Priest who intercedes for us before the Father (Hebrews 7:25). The Ascension is therefore not the absence of Christ, but the assurance that His presence now reaches every corner of the world and every moment of our lives. He ascended, yet He remains forever with us. God bless you.
