Working with the Word

Focusing the Gospel

Key words and phrases: Whoever loves me, Father will love, make our dwelling, Holy Spirit. … will teach you everything, peace I give you, may believe

To the point: Jesus promises to send us the Holy Spirit who will “teach [us] everything.” The Holy Spirit does not teach us what to believe, but to believe. To believe means to live out of the divine indwelling, live out of the peace given, live out of the mutual exchange of love between God and us. Believing is living what the Spirit teaches us.

Connecting the Gospel …

... to the first reading: The second reading describes the heavenly Jerusalem which “gleam[s] with the splendor of God … and the Lamb.” The divine indwelling in us and our believing make us citizens of this city.

... to experience: Gifts are most often tangible and the most prized ones satisfy our wants and desires. Jesus offers us a gift beyond anything we can imagine or desire—his risen presence as the Holy Spirit dwelling within us. This gift satisfies beyond all human expectations.
 

**From Saint Louis University