Daily Gospel Reflection for May 23, 2017

Today's Gospel: John 16:5-11

I can imagine the sorrow the Apostles felt when Jesus told them about His leaving the world. They didn’t know, as we do now, that He would be with them forever. We couldn’t bear to see Jesus given our unworthiness, so He cloaks Himself in bread and wine. But even before we taste Him, our dear Jesus gives us the gift of the Holy Spirit to abide in us, to rule and guide us, to make us holy, if only we’ll let Him.

He convicts me of my sins, makes me repent and turn humbly to God for forgiveness. And thank goodness the Holy Spirit does not reveal all my sins in one fell swoop. He is gentle with me, allowing me to repent of one sin before opening my eyes to see another. If I knew every terrible thing about myself it would be terribly discouraging to strive for holiness.

I’ve begun to pay attention to questions in the Bible. When Jesus asks, “Where are you going?” He is not just asking why the Apostles do not wonder where He is going but also asking me where *I* am going. Am I following in His footsteps or following my own whims? Am I on the road to heaven or am I too attached to the pleasures of this world to even think about heaven? I can get awfully busy chasing dreams, I forget to ask the Holy Spirit whether I should chase them in the first place. I forget the power of the Holy Spirit. But in the silence He reminds me.

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Ponder:

Do you have enough silence in your life to listen to the promptings of the Holy Spirit?

Pray:

Come Holy Spirit. Teach me all Your ways, grant me all Your gifts, set my heart aflame for all You desire, and lead me to Yourself in Heaven.

Vijaya Bodach is a scientist-turned-children’s writer, an atheist-turned-Catholic. She is also a wife, mother of two teenagers, pet-wrangler, teacher, speaker, Latin Mass lover, and chorister. She is the author of over 50 supplemental science books for children and 60 magazines pieces in leading children’s magazines. She writes about family, faith, books, and writing at www.vijayabodach.blogspot.com.