SAINT RAYMOND OF PENYAFORT, PRIEST (OPTIONAL MEMORIAL)

The Spirit is the one who testifies, and the Spirit is truth.

Except for a few incidents, we don’t know much about Jesus’ early life. He spent about thirty years living a hidden, quiet life in Nazareth before beginning his public ministry. And when he appeared, he prompted many people to wonder who he was and where he really came from.

We may have similar questions from time to time. How can I really know Jesus? Well, today’s first reading points to three crucial witnesses: “the Spirit, the water, and the Blood” (1 John 5:8). These witnesses spoke to Jesus’ own followers, and they can speak to us.

Water. Jesus began his ministry when he was baptized in the Jordan River. As he came up from the water, God proclaimed, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased” (Luke 3:22). But despite this miracle and all the others, many of Jesus’ followers continued to doubt him.

Then came the testimony of blood, in Jesus’ death on the cross. It didn’t make sense. The disciples had just begun to believe that he was the Messiah; how could he die like this? Wasn’t he going to liberate Israel? Where was the victory over the Roman oppressors? But the true testimony of Jesus’ blood was revealed at his resurrection: the testimony of a love that is stronger than death.

It was only when the Spirit descended on them at Pentecost that the disciples saw that Jesus was “both Lord and Messiah” (Acts 2:36). Then they fully understood that he had come to conquer the world not with military might but with the power of divine mercy. The Spirit’s testimony overcame their doubt and fear. And filled with that same Spirit, the disciples traveled far and wide proclaiming the good news they had received.

Today we still have the testimonies of the water and the blood to tell us about Jesus. But it’s the Spirit who makes our faith come alive. It’s the Spirit who opens our eyes and overcomes our doubts. He’s the One who brings us into God’s presence, fills us with his love, and prompts us to live for Christ. Best of all, this special gift from God will never leave us.

“Come, Holy Spirit! Fill me and guide me today.”

Psalm 147:12-15, 19-20
Luke 5:12-16
1 John 5:5-13