Gradual Progress in Faith, Truth, holiness – May 28 – Homily – Fr Ignatius

 

Fr Ignatius gives the homily at Bloomington, IN, on May 28, 2025, on how the Holy Spirit gradually guides the Church and believers to truth, as Jesus promised during the Last Supper.

Father reflects on the Gospel reading from John 16:12-15, where Jesus, during the Last Supper discourse, comforts the Apostles by acknowledging their limitations, saying, “I have much more to tell you, but you cannot bear it now.” He explains that God asks us to love Him with all our strength, but not beyond it, recognizing our human weaknesses. Father emphasizes that the Holy Spirit guides the Church and each believer gradually into all truth. This is evident in Acts 10:1-48, where St Peter learns that Gentiles are to be included in the Church, and in Acts 15:1-35, where the Church discerns that Gentiles need not be circumcised. Father compares this gradual revelation to the light of dawn growing brighter, as described in Song of Songs 6:10, where the Church emerges “like the dawn.” He further cites Proverbs 4:18, noting that the path of the righteous shines brighter until full day, illustrating how believers progress in faith and holiness over time. Father encourages patience, especially for new converts, as spiritual growth is gradual, aligning with the Holy Spirit’s guidance (CCC 737). This process reflects the Church’s mission to grow in understanding the mysteries of faith, such as the priesthood and ecclesiastical hierarchy, under the Holy Spirit’s direction (CCC 768). Father concludes by urging believers to trust in this gradual journey, confident in God’s patient guidance.

For Further Reading:
John 16:12-15 - NAB - Jesus promises the Spirit’s guidance - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/john/16?12
Acts 10:1-48 - NAB - Gentiles included in the Church - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/acts/10?1
Acts 15:1-35 - NAB - Gentiles exempt from circumcision - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/acts/15?1
Song of Songs 6:10 - NAB - Church like the dawn - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/songofsongs/6?10
Proverbs 4:18 - NAB - Righteous path shines brighter - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/proverbs/4?18
Catechism of the Catholic Church #737 - Holy Spirit’s role in Church - http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/para/737.htm
Catechism of the Catholic Church #768 - Church’s mission and guidance - http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/p123a9p1.htm#768
Catechism of the Catholic Church #688 - Holy Spirit teaches Church - http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/p1s2c3a8.htm#688

00:00 - Introduction
00:13 - Last Supper Discourse
00:21 - God Knows Our Limits
00:54 - Holy Spirit’s Guidance
01:16 - Mysteries of Faith
01:54 - Pentecost and Revelation
02:17 - Gentiles in the Church
03:19 - Gradual Faith Growth

Ave Maria!

Mass: St. Mariana of Jesus de Paredes - Opt Mem - http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=4485
Readings: Wednesday 6th Week of Easter - http://usccb.org/bible/readings/052825.cfm
1st: act 17:15, 22-18:1
Resp: psa 148:1-2, 11-14
Gsp: joh 16:12-15

More on the Readings: https://airmaria.com/r?m=653&r=1723

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