The Spirit of truth
ACTS 17:15, 22-18:1; PSALM 149; JOHN 16:12-15
Jesus says in John 16:12-13 “I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth.” In John 15:15 Jesus says; “I have made known to you everything that I have heard from my Father.” How could Jesus have made known EVERYTHING to the disciples and yet “ have MANY THINGS to say to them?” Is this a contradiction?
Beloved, it is impossible to assimilate in a short period of time all that Jesus taught and did. But through the Holy Spirit we get to understand his teaching further. The Holy Spirit gradually unfolds God’s message to us. The Spirit communicates this truth to us through the Church, and even nature.
Paul in the first reading was open to the Holy Spirit and he demonstrated the truth using the philosophy of the ancient Greeks and more people believed and followed him. If we too are open to the Holy Spirit we shall argue less. The truth remains the same, the words of Jesus were not contradictory, rather they only reflect the fact that the Spirit facilitates a fuller understanding of Jesus’ revelation without changing its content. In proclaiming this truth we too must not alter its content.
LET US PRAY
O God, who by the light of the Holy Spirit, did instruct the hearts of the faithful, grant that by the same Holy Spirit we may be truly wise and ever enjoy His consolations, Through Christ Our Lord, Amen.
Fr. Daniel Evbotokhai
