The Spirit is present in all three readings this Sunday (though not the Psalm).  With Pentecost just a fortnight away and Ascensiontide in between, this is a good Sunday to reflect upon the Holy Spirit in preparation for the great feast.

The presence and importance of the Holy Spirit in the Church has been increasingly prominent in recent decades.  The Second Vatican Council began with little awareness of the Spirit but this was much greater by the end.  This has been developed much further by Pope Francis.  The aim and purpose of synodality is to enable us to listen to what the Holy Spirit has to say to the Churches, as the Apocalypse reminds us seven times.

Seeking a thread through the readings this Sunday, we can take them in order.  For all three readings, the editing means that they really need to be read in context in the Bible.

Thus we have a story in the Acts of the Apostles.  Last Sunday, we heard of the choice of the deacons to help the serve at tables. Immediately however, Stephen and Philip begin proclaiming the Word.  The story of Stephen is omitted and this Sunday we hear part of Philip’s mission to Samaria.  It is persecution which forces Christians to leave Jerusalem.  We then hear of Philip’s preaching but we don’t hear of the baptism which results, probably because of the man who got it all wrong – and that’s important too.  Then we have the apostles Peter and John praying them to receive the Holy Spirit. Here with Philip’s story we have the complete mission process, evangelisation, baptism, confirmation (Acts 8,4-25).

The first letter of Peter may be regarded as a homily for baptism.  The result is indeed to be alive to the Spirit.

Which brings us to the Gospel of the Paraclete.  We hear just the first part (Jn 14,15-21) but the presentation continues to the end of the chapter with another reference to the Paraclete in verse 26.  “Paraclete” is the Greek word which is also used in English.  It can be rendered Advocate, Encourager, Comforter, Helper all of which help to reflect on the role of the Spirit.   The Paraclete is the Spirit of truth, sent by the Father “in my name”.  We must not read this teaching by Jesus in light of later theology.  At this early stage, the Spirit is seen as the continuing presence of Jesus in the Church, complementing the emphasis in the Gospel on remaining with Jesus which is an important theme in the Gospel.  He is the Spirit of Truth, the Truth which is Jesus.  Through the presence of the Spirit we are not left as orphans.  

‍

I find it, as always, difficult to suggest ideas when I don’t know what line the homilist will take. The readings are all about the reality of the God who is with us. The letter of Peter speaks of being ready to explain the faith that is in us and Acts reminds us that he Holy Spirit is for everyone, Jew and Gentile alike.

Perhaps the Rite of confession at the beginning of the Mass could pick up these points though it would make so much more sense if it followed the Homily. Do we really believe that God is with us, that the Father and Son dwell in each of us through the power of the Spirit? Do we really believe that the way to love God is to keep his commandments rather than  pouring out lots of pious declarations of love, and to love our neighbour is to love God?

Could the peace be made more and expression of our love for one another, not by milling around shaking everyone’s hand, something very inappropriate just before forming the Communion Procession but by everyone joining hands throughout the church and president introducing the Peace by alluding to the fact that we are one because we all share in the presence of God dwelling in us.

‍

Hymns below are from the Laudate hymnbook:

Love of God (906 - 917)

Love Divine (774 - 81