Sixth Sunday of the Year: A: May 10, 2026

          JESUS PROMISES THE HOLY SPIRIT

Introduction: The sixth and the final Sunday of Easter comes with a very encouraging and consoling message. Jesus is going to the Father but He promises His abiding presence with His disciples through the Holy Spirit. He does not leave us depressed and gloomy because with the presence of the Holy Spirit we are in constant touch with Him. The Holy Spirit is the source of all transformations: To understand what Jesus taught us, to be strengthened, comforted, guided and inspired. It is the Holy Spirit who enables us to love and to live the commandments of Jesus. 

First Reading: Acts 8: 5 to 8 and 14 to 17

Second Reading: 1Peter 3: 15 to 18

Gospel Reading: John 14: 15 to 21

   *First reading is from the Acts of the Apostles. The mission journey of Apostle Philip to Samaria is narrated. Philip proclaims the Word of God and the Samaritans receive the good news with great joy and enthusiasm. Many signs and wonders are manifested among the believers. Peter and John too go to Samaria and pray for the new converts. The Samaritans receive the Holy Spirit with great fervor. 

   *Second reading is from the first letter of St. Peter. Peter urges the Christian community to defend their faith with gentleness and reverence. He exhorts them to suffer for doing right in the eyes of God and not to indulge in any wrong doings. He gives the great example of Christ Himself who died for the sins of all humankind. They too should be ready and willing to accept all sufferings for the sake of Christ the Lord.

The Father will give you another Counsellor                                                        Today's Gospel reading is from St. John. This is a part of the farewell discourse of Jesus to His disciples before His passion and death on the cross. During the discourse, Jesus explains to them that to love Him is to keep His commandments. The one who loves Him will be loved by the heavenly Father which is the true manifestation of the love of Jesus. Further, Jesus assures them His continued presence among them through the Holy Spirit who makes us experience the love of Jesus in our lives. The Holy Spirit helps us to be true followers of the Lord. Only the Holy Spirit can truly effect transformation in our lives. To live the commandment of love, we need the Holy Spirit in us. Jesus further speaks about the indwelling presence of Himself and the Father in the believer. In this context Pedro Arrupe S.J. says: "Nothing is more practical than finding God, that is, then falling in love in a quiet, absolute and final way."

Conclusion: Today Jesus teaches us the following: To love Jesus is to keep His commandments. Jesus promises to be with us through the gift of the Holy Spirit. Jesus assures us that the one who keeps His commandments will experience the indwelling presence of Jesus and the Father. 

May the Lord Jesus, who promises the Holy Spirit to His followers, bless you and grant you the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Amen. 

(Kindly note: Sunday Reflections with Fr. Joy Joseph is available on YouTube. Please view, like, share and subscribe to the video version on YouTube. "YouTube/Sunday Reflections with Fr. Joy Joseph, May 10, 2026. Thanks.)