The Spirit of Truth Will Bear Witness
John 15:26-16:4a | 26 May - Saint Philip Neri, Priest on Monday of the 6th week of Eastertide Year C (I)
From the Gospel according to John
At that time: Jesus said to his disciples, ‘But when the Helper comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth, who proceeds from the Father, he will bear witness about me. And you also will bear witness, because you have been with me from the beginning.
‘I have said all these things to you to keep you from falling away. They will put you out of the synagogues. Indeed, the hour is coming when whoever kills you will think he is offering service to God. And they will do these things because they have not known the Father, nor me. But I have said these things to you, that when their hour comes you may remember that I told them to you.’
The Gospel of the Lord.
Praise to You, Lord Jesus Christ.
This passage occurs during Jesus' farewell discourse in the Upper Room, just before His passion. Jesus is preparing His disciples for both His departure and their future mission. He is preparing disciples for the post-resurrection church and anticipates the coming persecution of early Christians.
"Helper" (Paraclete) - Greek term meaning advocate, counselor, or comforter
"Spirit of truth" - emphasizes the Holy Spirit's role in revealing divine truth
"Bear witness" - Greek 'martyreō', from which we get "martyr"
Jesus promises the Holy Spirit as our divine advocate who testifies to the truth of Christ. This passage reveals that authentic Christian witness, empowered by the Spirit, often leads to opposition. Yet, even in persecution, the Spirit provides strength and guidance to maintain faithful testimony.
St. Augustine, in his commentary on John's Gospel (Tractate 92), writes: "The Spirit bears witness to Christ by inspiring believers with love and courage to proclaim Him, even in the face of death. For no one bears witness to Christ without the Spirit's help, and no one keeps silent about Him except those who do not have the Spirit." Augustine's insight reminds us that Spirit-empowered witness isn't just about words - it's about transformed lives that reflect Christ's truth, even amid opposition.
How does the Spirit's presence give me courage in difficult situations?
Where might God be calling me to bear witness today?
Let us pray: Spirit of Truth, empower us to witness boldly for Christ.
From the sayings of Saint Hannibal Mary Di Francia:
Saint Philip Neri used to say: "Lord, do not leave me even for a moment.”