Preparing for the Mass of
Sunday 19th May 2013 -
Pentecost Sunday
Relax & Remember:
Set aside 10 -15 minutes and create a suitable environment by removing any distractions. Make sure that you are comfortable. Perhaps light a candle. Make the sign of the cross † and remain still for a minute of settling silence. Call to mind the love that God has for you. Remember that through this scripture our Lord is truly present. Then read the Gospel, preferably aloud and slowly, and pay attention to any words that stand out. If any do, meditate on them for a few minutes and be invited into a dialogue with God.
Read:
Taken from the Gospel for 19th May 2013 (John14:15-16. 23-26): The Paraclete
Jesus said to his disciples, “If you love me you will keep my commandments. I shall ask the Father and he will give you another Advocate to be with you for ever. If anyone loves me he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we shall come to him and make our home with him. Those who do not love me do not keep my words. And my word is not my own; it is the word of the one who sent me. I have said these things to you while still with you; but the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything and remind you of all I have said to you.”
Reflect:
After spending a few minutes considering this Gospel, continue by reading Fr Henry Wansbrough’s reflection. In Jesus’ final speech to his disciples after the Last Supper he is preparing them for life after the Resurrection. He several times mentions a mysterious figure called the ‘Paraclete’. ‘Paraclete’ is Greek for ‘advocate’, that is someone who is called to your side to help, to guide you through a tricky patch. In Hebrew teaching about the Last Judgement there would be an Accuser and an Advocate on either side. In the gospel, Jesus asks the Father to send this Advocate to his followers to be his own presence when Jesus is no longer there and to guide the Church into all truth. That is the inspiring situation which Jesus speaks of: the Church and every one of her members will continue through the power of the Spirit to grow in understanding of the mysteries of God, as a people over the centuries and as individuals over the years of life. Before the Spirit was given, even the disciples who had been with Jesus throughout his ministry failed to understand his real significance, and certainly lacked courage to proclaim it. The coming of the Paraclete was the booster-rocket which set off the Church on its course and keeps it on course. Now it is the duty and privilege of each of the members of the Church to fulfil the prophetic office of the Church, understanding more deeply and declaring more clearly the truth about Christ in the world.
What does the Holy Spirit teach? What difference does the Spirit’s presence and teaching make in our lives?
Respond & Request:
Now slowly and prayerfully read the Gospel once again but this time in silence. Consider how this Gospel could apply to your life in general. Then thank God for any insight you may have received. Conclude by asking God to bless you with one of the following spiritual gifts to help you act on any resolution you have made: love, understanding, wisdom, faithfulness, peace, self control, patience, or joy. Please remember to pray for the Church and particularly our school families. Then conclude by requesting the prayers of Our Lady & St Joseph.