Gospel
Jerusalem Bible © 1966 by Darton, Longman & Todd Ltd and Doubleday & Company Inc.
Jesus said to his disciples:
‘If anyone loves me he will keep my word,
and my Father will love him,
and we shall come to him and make our home with him.
Those who do not love me do not keep my words.
And my word is not my own:
it is the word of the one who sent me.
I have said these things to you while still with you;
but the Advocate, the Holy Spirit,
whom the Father will send in my name,
will teach you everything
and remind you of all I have said to you.
Peace I bequeath to you, my own peace I give you,
a peace the world cannot give,
this is my gift to you.
Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid.
You heard me say: I am going away, and shall return.
If you loved me you would have been glad to know that I am going to the Father,
for the Father is greater than I.
I have told you this now before it happens,
so that when it does happen you may believe.’
(John 14:23–29)
Did you know?
Points of interest and Catholic lore
- The word 'advocate' means ‘one who is summoned to help another’.
- Another term commonly used for the Holy Spirit is Paraclete, which is derived from a Greek term meaning ‘called to the side of’; it thus has the same meaning as advocate.
- In the Hebrew Scriptures, peace was a distinguishing mark of the time of the Messiah—a time when swords would be made into ploughshares (Isaiah 2:4) and the wolf would live with the lamb (Isaiah 11:6). Jesus’ gift of peace confirms that he is the longed-for Messiah.
Exploring the Word
Jesus has alluded to the fact that he will leave and one day return. In the meantime, the disciples—the community to whom John is writing his gospel—are living in the ‘in-between times’. Jesus has come once in the flesh and has promised to return at the end of the world, so his instruction in the text is a continuation of his teaching regarding how disciples should live their faith in Jesus’ absence: they must keep his word, the word of God. ‘And the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us’ (John 1:14).
They will not be alone in this task, as Jesus has promised to send the Advocate, or the Holy Spirit, who will continue unfolding the word as the Church grows and meets new situations and challenges.
- You could explore the first reading from Acts, which highlights one such situation.
- In conferring the gift of peace on his disciples, Jesus is preparing them for his departure and absence. This will be a trial for the disciples; however, the peace of Christ and the Holy Spirit will help them understand his return to the Father, as well as reassure them that they, too, will one day make that journey.
- How do you cope with the ‘absence’ of Jesus? How do you experience Christ’s presence?
- How do you experience the Holy Spirit in your life?
Making connections
Opportunities for group discussion and personal prayer
- ‘Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid.’ What aspects of life frighten you?
- How do you experience the ‘peace the world cannot give’?
- Reflect on a period in your life when you were anxious, troubled or afraid. How did the situation resolve itself? How did you experience a sense of peace after the turmoil? Share your reflections with others.
- This week, try to stand up for someone who might need a defender. Take on the role of an advocate. Alternatively, you could try bringing the gift of peace to someone whose heart is troubled or afraid.
- This week, use today’s prayer after Communion:
Almighty and ever living God,
who restore us to eternal life in the Resurrection of Christ,
increase in us we pray, the fruits of the paschal Sacrament
and pour into our hearts the strength of this saving food.
Sharing the tradition
A closer look at the Scripture of the day, to see how it makes more explicit God’s word to us through the teachings of Jesus Christ
The situation of the Church has changed frequently throughout its 2,000-year history. The beginning witnessed periods of persecution and violence; these gave way to a settled period and gradual growth. The Church has enjoyed times of strong political support and even political power, as well as times of threat and decline. It has also engaged in war to safeguard its position of dominance, and it has distanced itself from political power at other times. The ebbs and flows of how the Church understands itself and its role in the world are fascinating.
- Explore how the Church's role has changed over the centuries. Can you identify times when the Holy Spirit's guidance could have been sought more effectively? Can you identify times when the Holy Spirit's guidance led the Church in new ways?
- You could discuss the Second Vatican Council and the Church’s self-understanding as articulated in the council's documents.
- The Second Vatican described how God, who spoke in the past, ‘continues to converse’ with the Church (Dei Verbum §8). Through the Plenary Council in 2021, the Catholic Church in Australia has sought to enter more intensely that Divine–human dialogue. What are the challenges that the Church faces today, and where do you think the Holy Spirit's guidance is needed now?
- Reflect on the leadership of Pope Francis. In what direction is he leading his flock? How should we follow?
Symbols and images
In the gospels, Jesus promises many times to send the Holy Spirit to guide and help his followers after his ascension. What do you think is the Holy Spirit's role in the life of the Church and in your own life today?
Living the Word
Practical ideas for group leaders to employ in connecting Scripture and daily life, with suggestions for music and environment
- In what ways does your community seek to discern the Holy Spirit's guidance? For example, does your community discern guidance in the reflections of a pastoral council? Are there ways for the newly baptised to become involved in this discernment?
- Continue using the Easter and initiation symbols as a focus for prayer. Pray for the Church of which you are now a member. Pray for its leaders and guides. You could sing an Easter song or a song of the Holy Spirit. Conclude with an adapted prayer for the laying on of hands in the RCIA at §301.