Guided by the Paraclete

 The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary, today, remind us to be open to the guidance of the Holy Spirit in our labour in the vineyard of the Lord.

Our travels for Faith

The Reading from the Acts of the Apostles describes the growth of Christianity into Europe.

* [16:10–17] This is the first of the so-called “we-sections” in Acts, where Luke writes as one of Paul’s companions. The other passages are Acts 20:5–15; 21:1–18; 27:1–28:16. Scholars debate whether Luke may not have used the first person plural simply as a literary device to lend color to the narrative. The realism of the narrative, however, lends weight to the argument that the “we” includes Luke or another companion of Paul whose data Luke used as a source.

* [16:11–40] The church at Philippi became a flourishing community to which Paul addressed one of his letters (see Introduction to the Letter to the Philippians).

* [16:14] A worshiper of God: a “God-fearer.” See note on Acts 8:26–40. (Acts of the Apostles, CHAPTER 16 | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 149 invites the people of Israel to celebrate their God.

* [Psalm 149] A hymn inviting the people of Israel to celebrate their God in song and festive dance (Ps 149:1–3, 5) because God has chosen them and given them victory (Ps 149:4). The exodus and conquest are the defining acts of Israel; the people must be ready to do again those acts in the future at the divine command (Ps 149:6–9). (Psalms, PSALM 149 | USCCB, n.d.)

In the Gospel of John, Jesus proclaims a Paraclete is to be sent by the Father.

* [15:26] Whom I will send: in Jn 14:16, 26, the Paraclete is to be sent by the Father, at the request of Jesus. Here the Spirit comes from both Jesus and the Father in mission; there is no reference here to the eternal procession of the Spirit. (John, CHAPTER 15|USCCB, n.d.)

* [16:2] Hour: of persecution, not Jesus’ “hour” (see note on Jn 2:4). (John, CHAPTER 16 | USCCB, n.d.)

Michele Bogard comments she has never listened to Christian or Catholic radio.  But thanks to her son (and no doubt his religion teacher at school!), it may be the most played station in her car nowadays.

I can’t help but think about my unconscious eye roll when the radio came on just an hour earlier.  It wasn’t my choice.  It was a Christian station.  All the stereotypes flew into my mind.  And yet, I kept the station on as I drove home.  Perhaps it was to feel close to my son.  But maybe it was also the Holy Spirit gently nudging me to embrace my faith.  To sit with my preconceived notions of the radio station and what others must be like who listen to it.  And just maybe it was a moment where I was reminded to be proud of my faith and to defend it…not from external persecution but from my own questioning and internal battle. (Bogard, 2026)

The Irish Jesuits have a website called Sacred Space.  An anonymous poster adds “St Ignatius of Loyola is said to have prayed that the members of the order he founded would always be persecuted—it was a sign that they were doing their job. It is a strange paradox, but the message of Christian love and forgiveness, a message of peace and justice, is found by many to be very threatening and one that must be attacked.”

May we all find that internal and external peace that comes with surrendering to our faith.  And may the Holy Spirit continue to light our way. (Bogard, 2026)

 Don Schwager quotes “The Comforter is with us in our troubles, by Cyril of Jerusalem, 430-543 A.D.” 

"He is called the Comforter because he comforts and encourages us and helps our infirmities. We do not know what we should pray for as we should, but the Spirit himself makes intercession for us, with groanings that cannot be uttered (Romans 8:26), that is, he makes intercession to God. Very often, someone has been outraged and dishonored unjustly for the sake of Christ. Martyrdom is at hand; tortures on every side, and fire, and sword, and savage beasts and the pit. But the Holy Spirit softly whispers to him, 'Wait on the Lord' (Psalm 27:14). What is now happening to you is a small matter; the reward will be great. Suffer a little while, and you will be with angels forever. 'The sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing to the glory that shall be revealed in us' (Romans 8:18). He portrays to the person the kingdom of heaven. He gives him a glimpse of the paradise of delight." (excerpt from CATECHETICAL LECTURES 16.20) (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on John 15:26–16:4 urges us to look at what happened when the Spirit came! Wavering men and women became unshakably convinced that Jesus was the Messiah—and they boldly preached that message. Homegrown fishermen traveled to distant lands to proclaim the truths of Christ that would change millions of lives. They wrote Gospels and letters that instructed new believers in the faith—words that touch our lives even today. All because of the Spirit of truth!

So ask the Holy Spirit to testify to Jesus in your heart today. Take today’s Scripture passages to prayer and expect him to reveal something about Jesus to you. Turn to him during your day, and ask for his guidance to help you follow Jesus better. Bring him your concerns, and know that you can rely on him to be your guiding light when you are confused or when, like the apostles, you face challenges. Keep your heart open to him and his words, confident that he can help you and strengthen you so that you don’t “fall away” into fear or sin or selfishness (John 16:1).

Because the Spirit of truth will testify to Jesus.

“Holy Spirit, help me to hear your testimony about Jesus today!” (Meditation on John 15:26–16:4, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler comments that in Acts Paul has travelled into Greece at Philippi to a place of prayer to meet Lydia, likely a very rich woman in the purple dye trade. She suggests that Paul might live at her house and form a house Church. They would meet in the atrium. It is unclear whether Lydia was the head or host of the community. The Gospel of John speaks about the Advocate, a witness to the Truth and the presence of the Trinity and Jesus indicates that persecution is coming and they will lay down their lives out of love too. Friar Jude ponders if we are not being persecuted, maybe we are not living as a Christian?

Father Richard Rohr, OFM, recounts the circumstances of Julian of Norwich’s mystical experience. What strikes him is the similarity between Julian’s time and our own. Here is how Episcopal priest and scholar Mary Earle describes Julian’s fourteenth-century context.

Julian lived at a time of vast social, [religious,] and political upheaval, incessant wars, and sweeping epidemics. Norwich, with a population of around 25,000 by 1330 … was struck viciously by the plague known as the Black Death. At its peak in the late 1340s in England, it killed approximately three-fourths of the population of Norwich. A young girl at this time, Julian was certainly affected in untold ways by this devastation. When the plague returned, she was about nineteen. [1]

In her anchor-hold, Julian certainly would have recognized the spiritual benefits of contemplation, such as the awakened ability through solitude to be personally present to divine love. Yet we must remember that she also let God’s love flow right through her to those on the street requesting her counsel, and to us through her writings. (Rohr, n.d.)

We seek the inspiration of the Holy Spirit as Paraclete, to instill in us the Power of Love that we may be witnesses to Christ in our actions to “renew the face of the Earth” particularly in times of chaos and persecution.

References

Acts of the Apostles, CHAPTER 16 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved May 11, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/acts/16 

Bogard, M. (2026, May 11). Daily Reflection May 11, 2026 | Creighton Online Ministries. Creighton Online Ministries. Retrieved May 11, 2026, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/daily-reflections/daily-reflection-may-11-2026 

John, CHAPTER 15|USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Reflections. Retrieved May 11, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/john/15?26 

John, CHAPTER 16 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved May 11, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/john/16 

Meditation on John 15:26–16:4. (n.d.). Word Among Us. https://wau.org/meditations/2026/05/11/1562135/ 

Psalms, PSALM 149 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved May 11, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/149 

Rohr, R. (n.d.). An Anchor-Hold of Love. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved May 11, 2026, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/an-anchor-hold-of-love/ 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). When the Counselor Comes, the Spirit of Truth. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved May 11, 2026, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/ 

Friends of the Bridegroom

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today invite us to surrender and celebrate our role as “shoshben”, a trusted friend of the Bridegroom, humbly preparing our environment to welcome Him.

Friends of Bride and Groom

The Reading from the First Letter of John is a Prayer for Sinners.

* [5:13–21] As children of God we have confidence in prayer because of our intimate relationship with him (1 Jn 5:14–15). In love, we pray (1 Jn 5:16–17) for those who are in sin, but not in deadly sin (literally, “sin unto death”), probably referring to apostasy or activities brought on under the antichrist; cf. Mk 3:29; Heb 6:4–6; 10:26–31. Even in the latter case, however, prayer, while not enjoined, is not forbidden. The letter concludes with a summary of the themes of the letter (1 Jn 5:18–20). There is a sharp antithesis between the children of God and those belonging to the world and to the evil one. The Son reveals the God of truth; Christians dwell in the true God, in his Son, and have eternal life. The final verse (1 Jn 5:21) voices a perennial warning about idols, any type of rival to God. (1 John, CHAPTER 5 | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 149 invites the people of Israel to celebrate their God in song and festive dance.

* [Psalm 149] A hymn inviting the people of Israel to celebrate their God in song and festive dance (Ps 149:1–3, 5) because God has chosen them and given them victory (Ps 149:4). The exodus and conquest are the defining acts of Israel; the people must be ready to do again those acts in the future at the divine command (Ps 149:6–9).

* [149:3] Make music with tambourine and lyre: the verse recalls the great exodus hymn of Ex 15:20.

* [149:5] On their couches: the people reclined to banquet.

* [149:9] The glory: what brings honor to the people is their readiness to carry out the divine will, here conceived as punishing injustice done by the nations. (Psalms, PSALM 149 | USCCB, n.d.)

The Gospel of John presents the Final Witness of the Baptist.

* [3:22–26] Jesus’ ministry in Judea is only loosely connected with Jn 2:13–3:21; cf. Jn 1:19–36. Perhaps John the Baptist’s further testimony was transposed here to give meaning to “water” in Jn 3:5. Jesus is depicted as baptizing (Jn 3:22); contrast Jn 4:2.

* [3:23] Aenon near Salim: site uncertain, either in the upper Jordan valley or in Samaria.

* [3:24] A remark probably intended to avoid objections based on a chronology like that of the synoptics (Mt 4:12; Mk 1:14).

* [3:25] A Jew: some think Jesus is meant. Many manuscripts read “Jews.”

* [3:29] The best man: literally, “the friend of the groom,” the shoshben of Jewish tradition, who arranged the wedding. Competition between him and the groom would be unthinkable. (John, CHAPTER 3 | USCCB, n.d.)

Nancy Shirley shares her very real opportunity to put others ahead of herself. She reflects on how Jesus can increase. 

How can my presence here be evidence of that – as I sit with her in the hospital how do I become the hands and feet of Jesus?

Many reading this do that every day as they care for loved ones or in occupations that allow that interaction with others. I have been blessed as a nurse to have a career in serving others. As I age, I realize that these opportunities are not only a blessing for me directly, but the chance to show others Jesus and the wondrous Gift that He is. I remember one of the early songs post-Vatican II – “They will know we are Christians by our Love” – perhaps that is part of the Gift for me this year – decreasing!!! Decreasing ego and self-importance with a focus on the care of others. Sharing the gifts that have been bestowed on me to lessen the burden on others. More of Jesus, less of me.

This Zach Williams song captures this so beautifully, Less like Me (Shirley, 2026)

Don Schwager quotes “Christ is the husband of the church his bride,” by Ambrose of Milan, 339-397 A.D.

"This means he alone is the husband of the church (John 3:29), he is the expectation of the nations, and the prophets removed their sandals while offering to him a union of nuptial grace. He is the bridegroom; I am the friend of the bridegroom. I rejoice because he is coming, because I hear the nuptial chant, because now we do not hear the harsh penalties for sinners, the harsh torments of the law, but the forgiveness of offenses, the cry of joy, the sound of cheerfulness, the rejoicing of the nuptial feast." (excerpt from ON THE PATRIARCHS 4.22) (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on John 3:22-30 notes that John compared himself to the Jewish “shoshben”, or the “best man” at a wedding (John 3:29). In ancient Hebrew tradition, the “shoshben” was a trusted friend of the bridegroom who made most of the arrangements for the wedding celebration. And when Jesus finally did arrive, he happily “decreased” in humility and let Jesus become the rightful center of Israel’s attention (John 3:30).

You, too, are part of the bride of Christ. So let John, the best man, help you welcome Jesus as well. Accept his call to repentance. Keep your eyes open for Jesus’ coming to you. And pray that you will know the joy that filled John’s heart—the joy of hearing the voice of the bridegroom every day.

“Jesus, help me to welcome you today.” (Meditation on John 3:22-30, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler comments that the last chapter 1 John concludes whatever we ask with confidence we will receive. This is not transactional but relational as a brother giving what we truly need not necessarily what we want. The author of 1 John presents an ambiguous message on sin and sinners. In theory we won’t sin, but we will sin and we need to pick up and go to Christ. The mortal sin that indicates denial of Jesus and God is offered as we belong to the evil one in a very dualistic light or dark, goodness or sin description Jesus. The Gospel of John presents Jesus baptizing on the other side of the Jordan in remission of sin and anointing with the Gift of the Spirit. The Baptist self describes as the bridegroom in an allusion to Jeremiah about the voice of the bride or bridegroom. Jeremiah points to a New Covenant. Jesus is the Bridegroom who is to marry Israel. The “next of kin” who is marrying the Church. “He must increase and I must decrease” as Jesus would bear the children of the Church with His name Christian.

Father Richard Rohr introduces CAC staff member Drew Jackson offers this commentary from the “back pew”.

“Their good news ain’t never been heard like that around here. What’s good for them sounds like hell in my ear. You hear them cheerin? Four more years of their man. You know what that means for us? Nothin changin. Same ol same ol. Domination. Brutality. Low salary. We know what they mean when they say law and order. I heard that man Tutu said that good news to a hungry person is bread. What about if I’m just straight broke? I need that bread. And then preacher man gonna stand up here and tell us to wait until the sweet by and by. That’s what he says all the time. I’m tired of this. We need something different. But different ain’t never gonna come as long as we live under them. With their foot on our necks. I don’t even know why I keep coming. I mean, I guess it’s good to show face in this small town, but I’m not buyin what they’re sellin. If I’m honest, though, I think I’m still hoping to snatch some kind of good news up in this place. That’s why I sit here in the back. Only news they’ve got for me out there is some garbage about some bootstraps. Truth is, if it ain’t good for us, it ain’t good for no one. I need to hear some news that’s good from the bottom up.” (Rohr, n.d.)

We contemplate the occasions on our journey when the “shoshben” in our life made things better and petition the Spirit to guide our actions to respond to the needs of others.

References

John, CHAPTER 3 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved January 10, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/john/3?22 

Meditation on John 3:22-30. (n.d.). Word Among Us. Retrieved January 10, 2026, from https://wau.org/meditations/2026/01/10/1477452/ 

1 John, CHAPTER 5 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved January 10, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/1john/5?14 

Psalms, PSALM 149 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved January 10, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/149?1 

Rohr, R. (n.d.). Good News for a Fractured World. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved January 10, 2026, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/good-news-for-a-fractured-world-weekly-summary/ 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). This Joy of Mine Is Now Full. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved January 10, 2026, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/ 

Shirley, N. (2026, January 10). Daily Reflection January 10, 2026 | Creighton Online Ministries. Creighton Online Ministries. Retrieved January 10, 2026, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/daily-reflections/daily-reflection-january-10-2026