READ | John 14:15-17
If you love me, keep my commands. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever—the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.
CONSIDER
If the Holy Spirit is really going to be in us, our lives should be very different from ordinary human life. Do we really want this? So often we keep God at a distance and only go to Him when we need something. We say things like “we invite the Spirit to come,” or “Spirit, be present with us.” Perhaps the Spirit answers, “I have been here all along, but where have you been?” What would your answer be to His question? Consider what your life might look like if you were continually aware, every minute of every day, of the Spirit’s presence.
ASK
Say a prayer to the Heavenly Father and Spirit of grace:
Thank you that we dwell in your kingdom and live in your presence. Open our ears to your voice. Open our minds to receive your eternal wisdom. Open our spirits so that we may know the leading and guidance of your Spirit. Open our hearts that we may receive your wonderful love. Keep us ever open to your presence and the healing action of your grace within us. Amen.
PARENT NOTE
Here’s a conversation starter you can have with your child today: The Holy Spirit is our helper. He helps us do what God asks us to do. All we have to do is ask him. Have you ever been frustrated or really mad at someone, maybe your mom or dad or a sister or brother? Maybe you were so mad you said something mean or thought about saying something mean? You can ask the Holy Spirit to help you not be angry. You can ask him to help you not say mean things. He will help you! The Holy Spirit will help keep you calm and do the right thing. All you have to do is ask.
Contributed by Becky Mecredy, Spiritual Director
Parent Note by Charity Santiago