“I WILL ASK THE FATHER, AND HE WILL GIVE YOU ANOTHER COMFORTER TO BE WITH YOU FOREVER” (John 14:16)
Saturday (May 16)
John 14:10–21
This Gospel passage is part of Jesus’ farewell speech at the Last Supper. These events take place shortly before Christ’s suffering and death. The disciples are deeply troubled because Jesus speaks about leaving them. In response, He reveals to them the deep unity between Himself and the Father, and most importantly He assures them:
“I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Comforter to be with you forever, the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive because it neither sees Him nor knows Him. But you know Him, because He remains with you and will be in you” (John 14:16–17).
The Holy Spirit is God’s greatest answer to human fear, trials, and challenges. Soon we will see a great change in the lives of the apostles. Those who are hiding behind locked doors, frightened and confused, will suddenly go out and boldly preach Christ. They will no longer hide, but openly witness to Him.
It is important to notice that this change does not happen because the world around them changes. The world will still remain dangerous for the apostles. Persecution, difficulties, and even death are still ahead of them. What changes is the apostles themselves, because the Holy Spirit comes upon them. The Holy Spirit transforms fearful apostles into courageous, wise, and faithful witnesses.
How much our engaged couples, married couples, and families need this same transformation today!
Fear has become almost a constant companion in our lives. If we listen carefully to people’s conversations, we hear many worries and anxieties. Young people are often afraid to marry because they do not know what tomorrow will bring. Married couples are afraid to have children because they worry about their future. Many families live with constant fear for the safety of their loved ones. Sometimes it seems that fear and anxiety have become the new “language” of our time. Yet it is exactly in this reality that we need to hear Christ’s words today:
“I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Comforter to be with you forever.”
The Holy Spirit does not always remove the cause of fear, but when He enters the human heart, He does not allow fear to rule a person’s life. Where the Holy Spirit is present, fear does not have the final word. Instead, inner peace comes, the mind becomes clear, and courage to live is born.
Let us remember that peace in the family does not come by itself — it is the fruit of God’s presence. The Holy Spirit helps us find words of forgiveness, control anger, listen to one another, and not lose love during conflicts. In other words, when the Holy Spirit is active in a family, there is more love, acceptance, mutual respect, and patience.
Therefore, as we continue this Decade of Missionary Renewal and prepare to receive the gift of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost, let us take time today to look honestly at the main fears and anxieties in our family life. Let us bring them before God and allow Him to transform them into peace, courage, and living hope.
Missionary Tasks:
Personal Level:
Today, let us name one of our fears before God and ask Him to fill our hearts with peace and trust.
Parish Level:
Let us help our parish become a place where people can overcome fear and open themselves to the work of the Holy Spirit.
Missionary Level:
Today, let us support someone who is experiencing fear or anxiety by offering a word of encouragement or assuring them of our prayers.