One of the differences between the Catholic Church and some
of the reformed denominations is the scripture and tradition versus sola
scriptura as the basis of the understanding of God’s message.
Ironically of course, it was the inspiration of the Holy
Spirit that assisted in the early Catholic Church in discerning what was
inspired scripture and also allowed it to appreciate what was contrary to the
teachings of Christ.
And in today’s reading we see a demonstration of the
importance of the Holy Spirit in the development of the Church and the
understanding of Jesus’ message. For we hear from John of Jesus telling the
apostles that he had many more things to say but that it would be too much for
them now.
Why would that be? We hear that the Holy Spirit will come to
assist. We know from the accounts in the gospels that the apostles struggled to
take everything in. It was hardly surprising given the nature of the message
Jesus was giving. They needed time to discern and grow in faith and be able to
fully appreciate what the true nature of Jesus was.
And in reality it took longer than the lives of the
apostles. The Fathers of the Church prayed and discerned the meaning of Jesus’
teachings and were the recipients of the gifts of the Holy Spirit so that the
early Church could come to a full understanding of who Jesus is, his
relationship with the Father and the Holy Spirit, the nature of his mother Our
Lady and the means to our salvation.
So let us thank God the Holy Spirit for the wisdom and
understanding of Jesus that has come through the ages so that even in this
century we can appreciate the message of Christ in a way not experienced before
with the Divine Mercy.
The Holy Spirit is always working in the Church and in us.
We need to be able to be open to its working and what it requires of us. But we
must also be humble enough to appreciate that all is done to achieve God’s plan
of bringing us back to Paradise from the sinful nature of the post-Fall world.
God is always working to achieve that through his infinite love; let us allow
the Spirit to work through scripture and tradition to bring us to the height of
our faith, to an inspired appreciation of Christ in our lives and the joy of
everlasting life.
Gospel John 16:12-15 ©
Jesus said:
‘I still have many things to say to you
but they would be too much for you now.
But when the Spirit of truth comes
he will lead you to the complete truth,
since he will not be speaking as from himself
but will say only what he has learnt;
and he will tell you of the things to come.
He will glorify me,
since all he tells you
will be taken from what is mine.
Everything the Father has is mine;
that is why I said:
All he tells you
will be taken from what is mine.’