6th Sunday of Easter May 10, 2026

Readings: Acts of the Apostles 8:5-8, 14-17 1 Peter 3:15-18 John 14:15-21

In the first reading, from the Acts of the Apostles, it seems that listening to the Word of God is not enough. We must receive the Holy Spirit as well. It is true that speaking in tongues and testifying to God’s actions within us can come from the Spirit, there are also other gifts of the Spirit that manifest the presence of the Spirit in our lives.

In the second reading, we hear that Christ is brought back to life in the Holy Spirit. We might also meditate a bit about those realities that bring us to life and those that bring others to life. When we find someone dead spiritually, we need to pray a lot about what might bring life in the Spirit. Even for ourselves, we need to pray a lot about what can bring us more abundant life in the Spirit.

The Gospel brings us to focus on the gift of the Spirit, the Advocate that Jesus sends to us. The word used here in Greek is “paraclete,” which can be translated as Helper, Intercessor, Comforter, Advocate, Paraclete. This Spirit helps us understand what we believe, draws us into the truth of Jesus, is a link to God by being God and yet with us, a Spirit that comforts us in all our affliction.

As our faith comes more and more to life within us, we can call on the Spirit to help us continue to grow. In these days leading up to the Solemnity of Pentecost, the feast of the sending of the Holy Spirit upon us, we need to keep asking for this Spirit to be poured out on us and on all who believe.

Truly we want to become fully alive in Christ. Sometimes we are not sure what that means. Let us ask the Holy Spirit today to give us wisdom and understanding, especially in our faith. Let us walk more and more faithfully with Jesus each day and live as He did, enlightened by the Holy Spirit, loving others and giving our lives to the service of others so that our world can be transformed.

HAPPY MOTHERS DAY TO ALL THE MOTHERS. May God bless you and your family.  Mary our Heavenly Mother pray for you!