Dig Deeper into Sunday’s Gospel: Read John 14:23–29

Of all the people who have shaped me most profoundly, my grandmother, my mom's mom, stands at the top of the list. We called her Grandma Joan, or more affectionately, Joanie. For as long as I can remember, my siblings and I absolutely adored her. That love only deepened when she moved into my family's home at the age of 81. I was just 14 then, and for the next 14 years, we had the immense privilege of sharing daily life with her. 

Grandma Joan was intelligent, welcoming, and curious. She was people-oriented and action-driven; a wonderful listener and a rambling storyteller. She filled a room with her laughter. She loved people well, and she loved to love. 

But more than anything else, at the very core of her being, was her faith. Grandma Joan loved Jesus and the Church, and she showed us—quietly, consistently, beautifully—what it looked like to live that out. Her presence changed each of us forever, in ways we're still discovering. 

One of the lasting impressions she left on me was her relationship with the Holy Spirit. She would often tell us—before a difficult test, before heading out with friends, during times of discouragement or discernment—"Pray to the Holy Spirit, ask Him to guide you." At the time, I didn't think much of it; it was just something she said, in the same way she would tell us, "I love you, God bless you, angels guard thee" every time we hugged her goodnight. 

But as I've grown in my understanding of how important a relationship with the Holy Spirit is, I've come to realize her wisdom and treasure this advice. 

In Sunday's gospel, Jesus teaches His disciples that the way in which we show God we love Him is by keeping His word. But Jesus knows this type of love, the kind that leads to holiness, is impossible to do on our own. God's help is necessary. So He reveals a beautiful promise: the Father will send an Advocate—the Holy Spirit—to guide us. 

In the Bible study, Touching the Divine: A Study of the Gospel of John, Lisa Brenninkmeyer teaches us the following:

The word [Advocate] is used five times in John’s writings, always with reference to Jesus or the Holy Spirit. It is a legal term for an attorney or spokesman who defends the cause of the accused in a courtroom. Jesus uses it for a heavenly intercessor who is called to the side of God’s children to offer strength and support. Jesus is a “Paraclete” because in heaven he pleads to the Father for believers still struggling on earth (1 John 2:1). The Spirit, too, is a “Paraclete” because he is sent to strengthen the disciples in Jesus’ absence (John 14:16), instruct them in the truth (John 14:26; 15:26), and defend them against the prosecutions of the devil (John 16:7–11), who is the “accuser” of the family of God (Rev. 12:10).[1]

Not only that, but the Holy Spirit will "teach you everything and remind you of all that I told you" (John 14:26). 

In Galatians 5:22–23, we learn that one of the fruits of the Spirit is peace. And it is this peace that Christ longs to leave us with: "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid" (John 14:27).

When we welcome the Holy Spirit into our lives, when we allow Him to advocate on our behalf and are open to His promptings and teachings, we simultaneously welcome a peace that anchors us, directs our thoughts, and roots us ever deeper in God's love. 

The peace God gives us is not one born of self-reliance, avoidance, or the comfortable amnesia of forgetting we belong to one another. In fact, the Holy Spirit's peace might challenge us, stretch us, push us to new limits, and move us outside of our comfort zones. 

But it is a peace that lasts. The kind that carries us through turbulent waters, allows us to find conviction in our beliefs, and propels us forward in our call to holiness. 

I think this is the truth my Grandma offered us whenever she directed our prayers back to the Holy Spirit. She wasn't just sharing her guidance and love but pointed us to the very gift Jesus promised: an Advocate, and a peace that only God can give.

Food for thought or journaling ...
In what area of your life would you like to experience greater peace?

Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of Your faithful and kindle in them the fire of Your love. Send forth Your Spirit and they shall be created, and You shall renew the face of the earth. Amen.

[1] Lisa Brenninkmeyer, Touching the Divine: A Study of the Gospel of John, Second Edition (United States, 2022), 189.