💖 HOMILY - MAY 17 💖

First Reading - Acts 16:11-15

Gospel - John 15:26-16:4

The work of evangelization is not a personal achievement or the fruit of human eloquence. It is, above all, the work of the Holy Spirit. Today’s readings clearly present the Spirit as the true protagonist who leads, inspires, and sustains all who bear witness to Christ.

In the first reading, we are introduced to Lydia, a devout woman whose heart is opened by the Lord to receive the message preached by Paul. The emphasis of the passage is not merely on Paul’s preaching, but on how the Lord prepared Lydia to receive the faith. Her conversion, along with her household, is a visible sign of the Spirit at work, directing hearts to Christ. Paul may have spoken the words, but it was the Spirit who moved Lydia to believe.

In the Gospel, Jesus assures his disciples that they will not be left alone. He promises the coming of the Advocate—the Holy Spirit—who will take up the work Jesus began. The Spirit will not only guide them through persecution and trials, but will also lead them into all truth.

Jesus outlines two roles of the Holy Spirit:

1. The Advocate (Paraclete): The Holy Spirit will stand by the disciples, strengthening them in times of fear and opposition. He will be their defender and counselor, especially when they face trials or rejection for the sake of the Gospel.

2. The Spirit of Truth: The Spirit will bear witness to Christ and enable the disciples to do the same with boldness and clarity. The Spirit will deepen their knowledge and love for Jesus, not as theory, but as a lived and experienced truth.

Jesus also forewarns that bearing witness will not be easy. His followers will be misunderstood, cast out, and even persecuted in the name of religion. Yet, it is precisely in these moments that the Spirit will empower them to remain faithful.

Dear friends, today’s readings remind us that we are never alone in our mission as Christians. The Holy Spirit, dwelling within us, equips us to live authentic Christian lives. As our Advocate, He gives us courage and perseverance in adversity. As our Teacher, He guides our hearts to know Jesus more deeply, so that we may reflect His love in our daily lives.

The mission of the Church continues today through us—not by our strength, but by the Spirit working in and through us. Like Lydia, we must allow our hearts to be opened by God. Like the apostles, we must rely on the Spirit to be faithful witnesses of Christ.

Let us ask the Holy Spirit to help us live as genuine Christians—joyful, courageous, and faithful in our witness.