Acts 8:5-8. 14-17/ Ps 66:1-3. 4-5. 6-7. 16. 20/ 1 Pt 3:15-18/ Jn 14:15-21

As we draw nearer to Pentecost, Jesus prepares our minds on what to expect. The Holy Spirit will be our companion and will make the presence of God constant in our lives. The Holy Spirit is also a spirit of truth and joy. It will teach us the truth and give us the grace to defend what we believe in. St. Peter, in the second reading, tells us how the spirit will guide us through gentleness and reverence, to defend our faith and thus win souls for God. Peter insists that having received the spirit we will become defenders of the faith. The first reading assures us that the reception of the spirit brings healing and leads to joy.  Joy is a very vital aspect of our Christian life. The presence of joy in our life is a sign of the presence of the divine. A Christian is a joyful person, and a every true Christian radiates joy. If you lack joy (not just excitement), you have to re-evaluate your Christianity.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, your Son Jesus Christ promised to send us the Holy Spirit. Give me the grace to be fully disposed to receive the gifts and fruits of the Spirit, so as to live in truth and in joy. Amen