Daily Gospel Reflection for May 8, 2023

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

Reflection by Kathryn Mulderink

Today's Gospel: John 14:21-26

It’s STILL Easter. We prepare for this great feast for forty days, and then we celebrate for fifty days, all the way to the coming of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost! In today’s Gospel, Jesus foretells the coming of this Spirit to guide us; the Father will send “the Advocate, the Holy Spirit” in Jesus’s name to teach us everything that we need to know – a Trinitarian gift.

The Holy Spirit is the conduit of the very love of God, a love that hinges on obedience to the Truth revealed in the words of Jesus, words that come from the Father. Over and over again in this Gospel, we are shown the mutual love of the Trinity, and the indwelling of the Trinity within us.

Who are those who love Jesus? Whoever obeys the commandments and keeps Jesus’s word loves Him. Who is loved by the Father? Whoever loves Jesus is loved by the Father. Who is loved by Jesus? Being loved by the Father means that we are also loved by Jesus. How do we know this? The Holy Spirit, sent by the Father in Jesus’s name, teaches us this and reveals God to us.

How does God reveal Himself to us? By a mysterious dwelling within us: “We will come to him and make our dwelling with him.” “We” – three Persons, one God, who long to live among men and love in human hearts (Exodus 25, Ezekiel 37:27, Revelation 21:3) – will make our dwelling with him.

This gift of love and divine indwelling hinges on obedience – on obeying the words of Jesus. Why? Because Jesus’s words are the words of the Father, kept burning within us by the Holy Spirit.

Ponder:

What specific ways can I use throughout the day to keep this indwelling of the Trinity alive in my thoughts and prayers?

Pray:

Lord, You desire that I walk in Your ways so that You can dwell within me as in the tabernacle. Give me the grace to walk in Your Presence in every moment and follow Your holy Will.

Click to tweet:
God's divine indwelling hinges on obedience. Why? Because Jesus's words are the words of the Father, kept burning within us by the Holy Spirit. #DailyGospel

Copyright 2023 Kathryn Mulderink

Kathryn Mulderink, MA, is mother of seven, grandmother of seven, and president of the local Secular Discalced Carmelites. She has published five books. Over 30 years, she has worked in school and parish administration and as a writer and voice talent for Catholic Radio. Currently, she serves the Church as a DRE, writer, and speaker, helping others encounter Christ. www.KathrynTherese.com