First reading: Prov. 8:22–31

Thus says the wisdom of God: “The LORD possessed me, the beginning of his ways, the forerunner of his prodigies of long ago; from of old I was poured forth, at the first, before the earth. When there were no depths I was brought forth, when there were no fountains or springs of water; before the mountains were settled into place, before the hills, I was brought forth; while as yet the earth and fields were not made, nor the first clods of the world.

“When the Lord established the heavens I was there, when he marked out the vault over the face of the deep; when he made firm the skies above, when he fixed fast the foundations of the earth; when he set for the sea its limit, so that the waters should not transgress his command; then was I beside him as his craftsman, and I was his delight day by day, playing before him all the while, playing on the surface of his earth; and I found delight in the human race.”

Second reading: Rom. 5:1–5

Brothers and sisters: Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith to this grace in which we stand, and we boast in hope of the glory of God. Not only that, but we even boast of our afflictions, knowing that affliction produces endurance, and endurance, proven character, and proven character, hope, and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us.

Gospel: Jn. 16:12–15

Jesus said to his disciples: “I have much more to tell you, but you cannot bear it now. But when he comes, the Spirit of truth, he will guide you to all truth. He will not speak on his own, but he will speak what he hears, and will declare to you the things that are coming. He will glorify me, because he will take from what is mine and declare it to you. Everything that the Father has is mine; for this reason I told you that he will take from what is mine and declare it to you.”

In other words

by Fr. Cyril Ortega, SVD (Abra District, Philippine Northern Province)

This Gospel begins with Jesus telling his disciples that there is much more to tell them. He reminds them that when the Spirit comes, the Spirit will guide them to all truth and will speak to them about the things that will happen in the future.

The Holy Spirit guides us to a fuller understanding of our faith so that it will be enriched and strengthened. We come to a better understanding of God, ourselves, our lives, and others, especially in a world that tends to distort them.

We must be convinced that we need to grow, to deepen our faith, and to widen it to encompass all the dimensions of our lives. To stop learning about our faith (that which we believe), and to stop growing in our faith (that by which we believe) is to thwart the Holy Spirit’s plans over our lives. He has more to tell us! Do I believe it and seek it?

Just as Jesus reassured his disciples, he also reassures us. Today, he tells us that he will come to us and already is among us! Jesus comes to us in the breaking of the bread! And when we, his followers, are gathered together, Jesus is with us and among us!

Do we recognize Jesus with us? Do we experience his presence, his love, his grace? Today, may our minds and hearts be awake and alert to his coming!