Going Deeper
Sixth Sunday in Easter (C)
Read this Gospel passage aloud to the family
John 14:23-29 – Jesus said to his disciples: “Whoever loves me will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our dwelling with him. Whoever does not love me does not keep my words; yet the word you hear is not mine but that of the Father who sent me. “I have told you this while I am with you. The Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything and remind you of all that I told you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid. You heard me tell you, ‘I am going away and I will come back to you.’ If you loved me, you would rejoice that I am going to the Father; for the Father is greater than I. And now I have told you this before it happens, so that when it happens you may believe.”
(Parent) Reread this part a few times aloud
“The Advocate, the Holy Spirit…will teach you everything and remind you of all that I told you.”
(Parent) Read this meditation aloud to the family
Let us remember, it is still the Easter Season! Since we have died with Christ and risen with Christ we share in His abundant life. We take part in this life through the Holy Spirit who lives in us, and who is spoken of in the Scriptures today. The Catechism of the Catholic Church talks about the different “senses” of Scripture. The most basic sense of Scripture is the literal sense—what is being said in a straightforward way. Before reflecting on the spiritual meaning of this passage, let’s reflect on its literal meaning. Jesus says that He will send the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, to “teach you everything and remind you of all that I told you.” Literally speaking, Jesus is telling His disciples that the Holy Spirit will come, and part of His work will be to teach them further about the mysteries they have witnessed in Jesus’ ministry.
This is exactly, exactly, how the Holy Spirit acts with the Church’s Magisterium, the official teaching body of the Catholic Church. He brings it to a deeper understanding of what Christ revealed on earth. Other non-Catholic Christians have serious problems with the Catholic Church claiming to teach infallibly the truth about Christ. But Jesus Himself attests to this authority as clearly as can be right here in the Gospel. It is very wise to trust the Catholic Church’s teachings on faith and morals, and very dangerous to fight them. The Holy Spirit continues to work in the Church, even today! Consider in prayer a few practical ways that we can better learn the teachings of the Church.
As a family, pray a portion of the Rosary together (very short if children are young) reflecting on the Scripture passage above. (Optional: allow a brief time for discussion or questions from children concerning their thoughts and prayer.)
Reminder for Parents: Pier is just meant to be a jumping off point. The real goal is that you pray & eventually use the fruits of your personal prayer as the content of your family’s prayer. Duc in altum.
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