The comfort of trusting in Jesus Christ

Acts 19:1-8; Psalm: 67; Jn 16:29-33

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, today’s readings invite us to explore the depths of faith, the power of the Holy Spirit, and the comfort that comes from trusting in Jesus Christ. In Acts chapter 19, we encounter the powerful moment when Paul meets some disciples in Ephesus. He asks them a simple yet profound question. “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” This question resonates deeply with us today. It challenges us to consider the nature of our faith and the transformative power of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Paul discovers that these disciples had only received John’s baptism, a baptism of repentance. They were searching for something more. They were hungry for a deeper relationship with God. How often do we find ourselves in similar situations? Perhaps we practice our faith diligently, attending Mass every Sunday and fulfilling our obligations. Yet, we must ask ourselves, are we truly living out the fullness of our faith? Are we open to receiving the Holy Spirit? Paul goes on to baptize them in the name of Jesus. Immediately, they receive the Holy Spirit. This moment is a reminder that the Holy Spirit is a gift that empowers us to become witnesses of Christ’s love and mercy in the world.

In John chapter 16, Jesus speaks to His disciples about the challenges they will face. He tells them that in the world, they will have trouble. Yet He concludes with a powerful declaration, “But take heart. I have overcome the world.” These words are not just a promise but a call to courage. They remind us that even in our struggles, we are not alone. Jesus walks with us. He provides us with the strength to rise above our difficulties. Reflecting on these readings, I am reminded of the words of St. John Paul II. He once said, “Do not be afraid. Open wide the doors for Christ.” These words echo through generations, challenging us to embrace the light that Christ offers. We are called to open our hearts, to allow the Holy Spirit to lead us. This is a call to action, a call to live our faith boldly and unapologetically. St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta beautifully exemplified this in her life. She often said, “Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love.”

As we reflect on these scriptures, we are invited to do just that. We are called to perform small acts of love and kindness, to be agents of God’s grace in our everyday lives. Whether it is offering a listening ear to a friend in need or volunteering our time to help those less fortunate, these small acts are infused with the power of the Holy Spirit. They become great when done with love. Let us take a moment to consider how we can be more open to the Holy Spirit in our daily lives. Are there areas where we feel hesitation, a reluctance to fully embrace the gifts God has given us? Perhaps it is in our workplaces, our communities, or even within our families. The Holy Spirit empowers us to be witnesses of hope and love in these spaces. Imagine a world where we actively sought to share the love of Christ. A world where we responded to the struggles of those around us with compassion and understanding. We could transform our communities into places of refuge and strength.

I invite you to reflect on the challenges you face today. What burdens are you carrying? Remember that Jesus has already overcome the world. He invites us to cast our cares upon Him. Let us not forget that we have the Holy Spirit to guide us through the storms of life. We are never alone in our struggles. As we prepare to leave this sacred space, let us carry the message of our readings in our hearts. Let us remember the words of St. John Paul II and St. Mother Teresa. Let us open our hearts wide to Christ and commit to doing small things with great love. Brothers and sisters, let us be filled with the Holy Spirit, empowered to share the love of Christ in our world. May we find joy in the journey and peace in the knowledge that our Savior walks with us. Amen.