Tuesday of the Sixth Week of Easter
Everyone gets a case of the “jitters” whenever we have to do something risky for the first time. Imagine a wannabe pilot flying solo for the first time. Thanks to new technology, flight simulators can now teach the basics of flying without ever leaving the ground (or crashing a perfectly good airplane).
We can wonder when Jesus was teaching the apostles the basics of preaching about the Kingdom of God, whether a simulator would have been helpful? Think about how many times he had to engage them in realistic stories to keep them focused and guide them toward a practical response.
Stretch your imagination a bit. What if the apostles had been given answers to all the questions, personal situations, and possible responses? Would the apostles have learned to use their spiritual instinct to offer whatever was pastoral and true according to their present situation?
Jesus is suggesting an answer by referring to the Advocate in today’s Gospel. Is this not the intangible source of wisdom at the core of the Gospel? The call of the Good News is an echo that resounds from the inner caverns of God’s creative gift to the world. No simulator could replace the radical and faithful ear listening to the gift of God’s wisdom. The Holy Spirit helps us to know what to say, what to do, and even what to hope for. That’s the power of the promise! Do we trust in and pray for that gift, no matter what the cost?
Reflection by Fr. Daniel Petsche, OSB
Posted in Article for Easter, Daily Reflections