Keep My Word
Monday of the Fifth Week of Easter
Read this Gospel passage aloud to the family
John 14:21-26 - Jesus said to his disciples: “Whoever has my commandments and observes them is the one who loves me. Whoever loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and reveal myself to him.” Judas, not the Iscariot, said to him, “Master, then what happened that you will reveal yourself to us and not to the world?” Jesus answered and said to him, “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– he will teach you everything and remind you of all that I told you.”
(Parent) Reread this part a few times aloud
“The Advocate, the Holy Spirit Whom the Father will send in My Name–He will teach you everything and remind you of all that I told you.”
(Parent) Read this meditation aloud to the family
Here St. John is again writing about the Holy Trinity. This time He writes about the work of the Holy Spirit, the Advocate. He will come in the name of Jesus, and He will teach the disciples everything, and remind them of all that Christ told them. We see that this is very true in history. Even after the Resurrection of Jesus, the apostles aren’t really sure of how exactly they are to proceed. Simon (Peter), at one point says, as if exasperated: “I am going fishing,” and six other disciples head out with him.
It is not until the Holy Spirit comes in power and gives them His gifts at Pentecost that they go out immediately, under His power, and begin to change the world. The Holy Spirit still guides the successors of the apostles–the bishops–today. He teaches them and reminds them of what Christ has told the apostles. The Holy Spirit guides us, the laity as well. We receive Him at Baptism, and this Baptismal grace is completed when we receive His gifts of power at Confirmation. It is through the Holy Spirit that we are “in Christ” as the Gospel and our Faith mention so often. “Come, Holy Spirit, bring us into Christ!”
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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