First Reading: (Acts 16:11-15)
Setting sail therefore from Troas, we made a direct voyage to Samothrace, and the following day to Neapolis, and from there to Philippi, which is the leading city of the district of Macedonia, and a Roman colony. We remained in this city some days; and on the sabbath day we went outside the gate to the riverside, where we supposed there was a place of prayer; and we sat down and spoke to the women who had come together. One who heard us was a woman named Lydia, from the city of Thyatira, a seller of purple goods, who was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to give heed to what was said by Paul. And when she was baptized, with her household, she besought us, saying, “If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord , come to my house and stay.” And she prevailed upon us.
Ps 149:1-6, 9 R./ The land takes delight in his people.
Gospel: (Jn 15:26 - 16:4)
Jesus said to his disciples, “When the Counselor comes, whom I shall send to you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, who proceeds from the Father, he will bear witness to me; and you also are witnesses, because you have been with me from the beginning. “I have said all this to you to keep you from falling away. They will put you out of the synagogues; indeed, the hour is coming when whoever kills you will think he is offering service to God. And they will do this because they have not known the Father, nor me. But I have said these things to you, that when their hour comes you may remember that I told you of them. “I did not say these things to you from the beginning, because I was with you.”
Reflection:
Jesus said to his disciples: “When the Advocate comes whom I will send you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, he will testify to me.” Thus Jesus promises to his disciples the Paraclete, the Holy Spirit. He will be their Advocate, as Jesus emphasises. For, He will give them support and good advice. He will comfort and strengthen them in their mission, especially in difficult times, and will give them the required knowledge on what Jesus has taught them. He will confirm all that Jesus has said and done. He is the same Spirit of Jesus that the Father sends to us, that same Spirit that Jesus has gained with his death and Resurrection.In short, the Holy Spirit is His witness in the world. The gift of the Spirit is given to all of us at the time of Baptism and the Confirmation to fight firmly against all evil in us and around us.