REFLECTIONS TODAY
The work of salvation, other than the work of Christ, is first of all “Trinitarian.” It begins with the Father who loved the world that he gave his only Son that the world might be saved through him (Jn 3:16-17). And with Jesus’ return to the Father, the Paraclete, the Spirit of truth is sent to continue Jesus’ mission, guiding the Christian community in their mission to announce and give witness to the Gospel. Jesus says that the Spirit will not speak on his own, but will take from what is Jesus’ and declare it to the disciples. The Spirit is no rival of Jesus; his mission is the same as Jesus’ own. He will draw upon what Jesus himself has received from the Father. The Greek word anangellein, translated as “declare,” literally means “re-announcing what has been heard or announced before.” In declaring “the things that are coming” (v 13) to the disciples, the Spirit, more than foretelling future events, will “re-announce” to the disciples Jesus’ teaching and help them draw out fresh meanings for their present life-situation.
The communion of love and sense of purpose in the Trinity is a model for all members of the Church who are given a variety of gifts for the building up of the Body of Christ. Diversity of cultures among her members is not a threat to unity; rather, it is a source of richness for the whole Church.
Responsorial Psalm • Psalm 148
“Heaven and earth are full of your glory.” or “Alleluia.”
Gospel • John 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.”
Source: “366 Days with the Lord 2024,” St. Paul’s, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 632-895-9701; E-mail: [email protected]; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.