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  Wednesday - 6 th Week of Easter Gospel – John 16:12-15 The Spirit of Truth Sea of Galilee Yesterday I watched one of my all-time favorite movies for probably the 20 th time (conservative guess).   Kingdom of Heaven !!   A medieval Crusade epic directed by Ridley Scott! Of course, the Director’s cut which runs for about 3 ½ hours, but so worth it! Filled with quotable dialog throughout, there is one that resonates with me in light of today’s Gospel. Early in the film, a dying Sir Godfrey is ‘knighting’ his son with this oath: Be without fear in the face of your enemies. Be brave and upright that God may love thee. Speak the truth always, even if it leads to your death. Safeguard the helpless and do no wrong! In today’s Gospel, Jesus promises to send the Spirit of Truth, to guide us in all things.   We all need guidance; we all need to listen and hear the truth.   We all need a helping hand.   A simple but powerful message for all of us; so ...
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  Tuesday - 6 th Week of Easter Gospel – John 16:5-11 Good Grief Altar of Crucifixion, Church of Holy Sepulchre 40 years ago, I was standing by the bedside of my dear friend, Don.   He had been waging a long-term battle with cancer and today was the day I gathered with his wife and 3 little girls to say our last goodbye.   There are no words possible to encompass all the conflicting emotions we felt as we stood there holding hands.   Tears were abundant and words were few!   But the grief, the sadness, the loss and the very real pain of realization that this was his last moments here on earth – that was almost unbearable!   I would not wish that experience on anyone.   And yet most of us have probably had that memory and still carry the sorrow with us even today.   I wonder how much the Apostles felt something similar in today’s Gospel reading.   Jesus has just told them He is leaving; it is clear that they understood He was referrin...
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  Monday - 6 th Week of Easter Gospel – John 15:26 – 16:4 Tis the Season! Ordination 2015   Tis the Season!   No, it’s not Christmas just yet.   But it is Ordination Season.   Throughout the country, we continue to see news of Ordination Masses – transitional deacons, permanent deacons and priests being called to serve the Church.   For the deacon, it means the beginning of his ministry to the Word, to the Liturgy and to Charity.   Among his ministries, it is his calling to proclaim the Gospel and preach, to preside at Baptisms, witness marriages, and assist at Eucharistic liturgies, and to be a witness to the Gospel by a life of service to others. Ordination Day!   It is a day full of words and promises, of pledges and testimony!   Much like what we hear in today’s Gospel!    “ The Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, he will testify to me. And you also testify, because you have been with me from the beginning.”...
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