Today in the Gospel of
John, we hear Jesus tell his disciples that He is going to send them an Advocate
to be with them. This Holy Spirit that Jesus promises is given to each of us so
that we can follow Jesus’ command to love one another. Loving people sounds easy,
but can be challenging to actually do. We are called to love those that hurt us
or are indifferent to us. We are called to love even when it is not convenient
or profitable to us. We are called to love and live out God's love each
day. That is tough stuff!!! Jesus never promises that
it will be easy, but He does promise that He is there with us through it
all. He gives us not just a promise, but
also the sustenance, His own Body and Blood to go through the twists and turns
in life. God also gives us the Holy Spirit to direct us
and to give us the graces and gifts that we need to love as He loves us.
As we watch these young
people, filled with joy and excitement for their First Holy Communion, we
welcome them to the table of the Lord’s Supper.
They have heard the voice of Jesus calling them to this table so that His
Body and Blood can nourish them. Let us continue to pray for them that they may
always follow Jesus’ example of love.
