Daily Gospel Reflection for April 29, 2024

Join us as we reflect, ponder, and pray together inspired by today's Gospel.

Reflection by Colleen O'Dowd

Today's Gospel: John 14:21-26

There are two advocates in today’s Gospel, as we celebrate the feast of Catherine of Siena.

One advocate is THE Advocate -- the Holy Spirit – Whom Jesus assures us His Father will send to us. And in the time of Jesus, a common understanding of advocate was from the perspective of the legal field. In a discrepancy or accusation, where you and I would employ the assistance of a lawyer who would likely argue our case for us, in the time of Jesus the accused verbally defended him/herself with the help of an advocate.

The advocate’s job was to stand very close to the defendant and literally whisper what to say into the person’s ear so they were effectively able to represent themselves. Only not really. They were representing what they believed was truth and goodness.

The other advocate today is Jesus in behalf of us to the Father – which is why we know our relationship with Jesus Himself is so desperately needed. He is Who gets us to the Father. The presence of the Holy Spirit does not negate the fact that Jesus Himself is still here. In every tabernacle. At every Mass. In the person of the priest and of each other, especially in the poor. In nature and the Scriptures.

Catherine of Siena would correct me at this point to insist there are more advocates in today’s Gospel. The last advocates are the Apostles. Who advocate Jesus to the other disciples. Who advocate Jesus to the world. And me. And you. Saint Catherine was a big fan of that which bridges us to God. She knew the big bridge is Jesus. And advocating Jesus is where it’s at.

And spoiler alert: Catherine would tell us we’re not supposed to whisper.

Ponder:

How can I advocate for Jesus today in my own corner of the world?

Pray:

Lord Jesus, I love You and I want others to love You too. Show me who in my life most needs me to be an advocate -- a bridge to God -- through Jesus.

Click to tweet:
Spoiler alert: Catherine would tell us we’re not supposed to whisper. #DailyGospel

Copyright 2024 Colleen O'Dowd

Colleen O’Dowd is a parish missionary at Our Lady of Ransom in Niles, IL. She loves being Catholic; her Converse All Stars, Crocs and socks are always liturgically correct; and she is a super saint-geek! She blogs ultra-occasionally at www.ourheartswereburningwithin.wordpress.com and can also be found @catholiccolleen on Twitter and Instagram.