Our Expert Invisible Guide – May 27 – Homily – Fr Terrance

 

Fr Terrance gives the homily at Bloomington, IN, on May 27, 2025, on how the Holy Spirit, as our advocate, defends, sanctifies, and guides us, fulfilling Jesus' promise at the Last Supper.

Father reflects on the Gospel of John 16: 6, where, at the Last Supper, Jesus acknowledges the disciples' grief as he prepares to leave them, promising the Holy Spirit to guide and defend them (John 16: 7). He explains that Jesus’ departure was necessary for the Holy Spirit, the paraclete, to come, acting as our advocate, a term meaning "one who is at one's side" (Catechism of the Catholic Church in paragraph 692). The Spirit defends believers against the accuser, Satan, who accuses them day and night (Revelation 12: 10), and teaches them all things, recalling Jesus’ words (John 14: 16; John 14: 26). Additionally, the Spirit sanctifies us, making Jesus visible through our actions, and convicts the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment (John 16: 8; Catechism of the Catholic Church in paragraph 729). Father emphasizes that the Spirit corrects the world's backward views, revealing true righteousness and condemning Satan, not the faithful. He cites Pope Leo XIV, who affirmed God’s love and the triumph over evil, underscoring the Spirit’s role as our defender, sanctifier, and guide. Father also notes that Jesus is our advocate with the Father (1 John 2: 1) and Mary, called Advocata Nostra in the Salve Regina, intercedes for us. He urges us to cooperate with Jesus, Mary, and the Holy Spirit to reach our heavenly homeland, seeking Mary’s grace to remain faithful witnesses.

For Further Reading:
John 16: 6 - NAB - Jesus acknowledges disciples' grief - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/john/16?6
John 14: 16 - NAB - Holy Spirit with disciples forever - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/john/14?16
John 14: 26 - NAB - Holy Spirit teaches and reminds - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/john/14?26
Revelation 12: 10 - NAB - Satan accuses the brethren - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/revelation/12?10
1 John 2: 1 - NAB - Jesus as our advocate - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/1john/2?1
Catechism of the Catholic Church #692 - Paraclete's role as advocate - http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/para/692.htm
Catechism of the Catholic Church #729 - Holy Spirit convicts world - http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/para/729.htm

00:00 - Last Supper Introduction
00:55 - Jesus Promises Advocate
01:36 - Holy Spirit's Arrival
01:52 - Meaning of Paraclete
02:43 - Spirit Teaches Disciples
03:19 - Spirit Sanctifies Us
03:43 - Spirit Convicts World
05:51 - Jesus, Mary, Advocates

Ave Maria!

Mass: St. Augustine of Canterbury - Opt Mem - http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=25
Readings: Tuesday 6th Week of Easter (Opt 2) - http://usccb.org/bible/readings/052725.cfm
1st: rom 12:9-16
Resp: isa 12:2-6
Gsp: luk 1:39-56

More on the Readings: https://airmaria.com/r?m=1081&r=1722

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