We have to listen to the Holy Spirit who is inside us! What does he tell us? Are we open to “God’s surprises”? Or are we closed and fearful before the newness of the Holy Spirit?

We cannot be “backseat Christians” or “couch-potato Christians”, cozy in our comfort zones - the Lord always wants us to move forward, forward, forward, and not take refuge in a comfortable, quiet life.  – Pope Francis

Gospel Text: (JN 16:12-15)

Jesus said to his disciples:

"I have much more to tell you, but you cannot bear it now.

But when he comes, the Spirit of truth,

he will guide you to all truth.

He will not speak on his own,

but he will speak what he hears,

and will declare to you the things that are coming.

He will glorify me,

because he will take from what is mine and declare it to you.

Everything that the Father has is mine;

for this reason I told you that he will take from what is mine

and declare it to you."

The presence of the Holy Spirit of Jesus and our Loving Father is tangible and wonderful. The Spirit confirms (makes firm or strong; authorizes and guarantees) whatever is a movement of the Divine in us and around us. Joy, which can be so rare and fragile, is a gift of the Spirit. It is a palpable experience of the Spirit's presence. In the absence of Joy or Peace or Balance or any of the self-sacrificing gifts, the simple prayer, "Come, Holy Spirit!" is tremendously freeing. It is a gentle breeze and can be the fire of Love itself. It is the essence of the courage that comes from never being alone.