Spirit of Truth

"I have told you this so that you may not fall away."

26 “When the Advocate comes whom I will send[a] you from the Father, the Spirit of truth that proceeds from the Father, he will testify to me. 27 And you also testify, because you have been with me from the beginning.
1 “I have told you this so that you may not fall away. 2 They will expel you from the synagogues; in fact, the hour[b] is coming when everyone who kills you will think he is offering worship to God. 3 They will do this because they have not known either the Father or me. 4 I have told you this so that when their hour comes you may remember that I told you.
[c] “I did not tell you this from the beginning, because I was with you.-John15:26-16:4

Sometimes we experience an encounter with God at a certain point in our life that left a very deep impact or a massive turning point or change in us. It can be a loss, bankruptcy, imprisonment, or even death. These experiences bring us closer to God. Jesus is saying to us, "I have told you this so that you may not fall away." If we have Jesus in us, we need not fear. Though very tough times may come our way, Jesus is encouraging us to be steadfast in holding on to the Holy Spirit that says, "Be not afraid. I am with you." Through our own experiences of the presence of God in our life, we can contribute and help in spreading the Good News that Jesus is the true Savior and Messiah, and that He is truly with us alive and guiding us every step of the way.

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Good News!

God is indeed with us!

40 And a leper[a] came to him, imploring him, and kneeling said to him, “If you will, you can make me clean.” 41 Moved with pity, he stretched out his hand and touched him and said to him, “I will; be clean.” 42 And immediately the leprosy left him, and he was made clean. 43 And Jesus[b] sternly charged him and sent him away at once, 44 and said to him, “See that you say nothing to anyone, but go, show yourself to the priest and offer for your cleansing what Moses commanded, for a proof to them.” 45 But he went out and began to talk freely about it, and to spread the news, so that Jesus could no longer openly enter a town, but was out in desolate places, and people were coming to him from every quarter.-Mark1:40-45

When something good or miraculous happened to a person, s/he cannot help but share this good news to others. When a miraculous event happened to me, I was so animated, joyful and so inspired to share it to others. When my friends heard it, they shared my joy and rejoiced with me. Like the leper, I keep on repeating to myself and to others, "God has shown me mercy and compassion. God truly loves me, all of us. God truly listens to us. God truly gives us the help that we need at the right time. God is with us!" Are we bringer of good news or bad news to others?

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Witnesses

The Witness has spoken clearly.

7 And this was his message: “After me comes the one more powerful than I, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. 8 I baptize you with[a] water, but he will baptize you with[b] the Holy Spirit.”

9 At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. 10 Just as Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw heaven being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. 11 And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.”-Mark1:7-11

Not only did John bore witness to Jesus, but the Father in Heaven also gave witness to Jesus. Why is it so difficult to accept that Jesus is the Messiah? Why is it that some find it difficult to accept that God loves us so much that He gave His only Son for us?

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God's Not Dead

I testify to God's Chosen One.

29 The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! 30 This is the one I meant when I said, ‘A man who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.’ 31 I myself did not know him, but the reason I came baptizing with water was that he might be revealed to Israel.”

32 Then John gave this testimony: “I saw the Spirit come down from heaven as a dove and remain on him. 33 And I myself did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water told me, ‘The man on whom you see the Spirit come down and remain is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.’ 34 I have seen and I testify that this is God’s Chosen One.”-John1:29-34

In the Gospel reading, John testified to Jesus as God's Chosen One. Jesus' disciples and followers continued what John started, and up to this time, continue in being Jesus' witnesses. There are instances when we need to be strong and firm in our faith. And if necessary, be a strong voice for God, for truth and for what is right and good. Are we willing witnesses of Jesus as the Messiah and God's Chosen One? Are we confident to stand by God even if we are surrounded by people who do not believe in Him?

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Testify and Testimony

He testified!

33 “You have sent to John and he has testified to the truth. 34 Not that I accept human testimony; but I mention it that you may be saved. 35 John was a lamp that burned and gave light, and you chose for a time to enjoy his light.

36 “I have testimony weightier than that of John. For the works that the Father has given me to finish—the very works that I am doing—testify that the Father has sent me.-John5:33-36

From the time of Moses, up to the time of the prophets, and until John the Baptist, they all testified to the truth. And what is the truth? The truth that God is with us, pained by our sins, chastises gently, and gathers us back to Him. Yes, He loves us. The prophets shone like a lamp that gives light. They gave us enlightenment through their prophecies, sacrifices, teachings and miracles. And, the prophets showed the way - the way closer to God through repentance and turning away from sins.

The prophets testified to the truth, showed the way and shone like the light. The prophets came into existence to prepare us for the coming of Jesus. Jesus is The Way, The Truth and The Life. Jesus is The Way, and His Way is marked with Love and Light. Jesus is The Truth, and His Truth is Love. Jesus is The Life, and the Life that He gives to those who go to Him is marked with Love, Peace and Contentment, a life of Light!

Jesus is inviting us all to be witnesses of Him who gives us Life wherever we go, but it is not only through proclaiming the Word alone. Rather, the best way to be present-day witnesses of Jesus is through our Christ-like day-to-day interaction and existence with our neighbors through love, peace and respect amongst so many others.

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