Daily Scriptures Reflection for 5/8/13

Scripture: Lectionary 293. May 8. Acts 17:15-22-18:1. Psalm 148:1-2,11-12,12-14.14. John 16:12-15:

Jesus reveals to his apostles the intimacy he has with the Father and the Holy Spirit. In reality, this is the truth that he is speaking to them before his departure. Truth in this Gospel is the source and foundation of who Jesus is both in relationship to his Father and then to the sending of the Holy Spirit. Jesus explains that what he has said and done will continue to be taught and deepened through the gift of the Holy Spirit who will be an Advocate (a Paracletos) for the apostles. The revelation comes from the depths of the heart of Jesus. Pondering over and contemplating these divine and sublime words of Jesus is the work of a life time. The greatest of the theologians of the New Testament, John, is the one who has handed on this revelation of the Truth. Our own contemplative thoughts can help us to understand and realize the living and abiding truth Jesus is speaking about. He shares this with his friends and with us through the Gospel of John. We, in turn, believe in Jesus who is the Truth and the giver of God’s love and fidelity (hesedand emeth). We may wish to associate the following texts with the revelatory message of Jesus as God’s Truth:

John 2:22: “Only after Jesus had been raised from the dead did his disciples recall that he had said this, and come to believe the Scripture and the word he had spoken.”

John 12:26: (At first, the disciples did not understand all this, but after Jesus was glorified they recalled that the people had done to him precisely what had been written about him).”

John 14:25-26: “This much I have told you while I was still with you; the Paraclete, the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send in my name, will instruct you in everything, and remind you of all that I told you.”

A Jewish commentator, Adele Reinhartz, who reflected and studied our passage for today says succinctly, “These statements about the Father and the Spirit were important in the later development of the Christian doctrine about God as Trinity.” (Jewish annotated New Testament, p.189). For us Christians we are more spiritually moved when we hear St. Francis Xavier simple but profound prayer: “O, Most Holy Trinity!” Amen.