Daily Gospel Reflection for May 17, 2023

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

Reflection by Connie Beckman

Today's Gospel: John 16:12-15

This passage speaks so eloquently of the Blessed Trinity--Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit lives within each of us and leads us to an intimate relationship with God.

Jesus is about to leave the apostles and ascend to the right hand of the Father. He wants to encourage His followers to know that they will not be abandoned. Before His Passion, Jesus also instituted the Holy Eucharist so that we can experience Jesus’s body, blood, soul and divinity every time we go to Mass and receive Holy Communion.

After the apostles received the Holy Spirit, they were no longer afraid to preach Jesus and His Church to all who would listen. It is the same Spirit that dwells within us that gives us the courage and boldness to proclaim Jesus Christ to those who are open to hearing the Word of God. The Holy Spirit helps us to love as Jesus loves.

It is the Holy Spirit Who speaks to us through His holy word. The Holy Spirit can also speak to us through our family, friends, neighbors, and even those with whom we disagree. The Holy Spirit gives us little nudges when He wants us to act.

I remember my cousin, who was the same age as me, and was dying of cancer. I didn’t want to go see her because it would be too painful for me to bear. However, the Holy Spirit kept nudging me. One day, I was in the grocery store, and I noticed a woman my age in a wheelchair. I looked at her, and I thought for an instant it was my cousin. It wasn’t my cousin, but the Holy Spirit convicted my heart to finally visit my cousin. I did visit her, and we had a delightful conversation, sharing many childhood experiences. A month later she died. I am so grateful my cousin and I had this time together. The Holy Spirit is patient but persistent.

Ponder:

How can I develop a closer relationship with the Holy Spirit?

Pray:

Thank you, Father and Son, for sending us the Holy Spirit. Holy Spirit, help me to listen to You and help me to act on Your little nudges.

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The Holy Spirit is patient but persistent. #DailyGospel

Copyright 2023 Connie Beckman

Connie Beckman resides in Helena, Montana, with her husband and is a member of Saint Cyril & Methodious Parish. Her desire as a writer is to encourage Catholic spiritual growth by sharing the truths of the faith through the written word addressing a variety of subjects.