When Evil Surrounds Us.

Gospel Reflection for May 15, 2023

“When the Advocate comes whom I will send you from the Father, the Spirit of truth that proceeds from the Father, he will testify to me. And you also testify, because you have been with me from the beginning.

I have told you this so that you may not fall away. They will expel you from the synagogues; in fact, the hour is coming when everyone who kills you will think he is offering worship to God. They will do this because they have not known either the Father or me. I have told you this so that when their hour comes you may remember that I told you.” (John 15:26-16:4 NABRE)

Jesus would soon be leaving His disciples by ascending into Heaven, and was preparing them for the troubles they would face in the world. His words to the disciples apply to us as well. Sometimes we feel overwhelmed by the evil that frequently seems to be closing in around us.

It often makes us wonder why things have to be the way they are.

But in these moments of questioning—and maybe even doubting—we must recall to mind the words of our Lord Jesus Christ. He told us that these things would happen. For the sole purpose of preparing us, Jesus told us about the evils and atrocities that would take place in the world, so that we do not fall away.

Our Lord is telling us today not to doubt or question or lose faith when these things happen.

Further, Jesus told us that we would not be alone. He sent us the Advocate. We have the Holy Spirit to guide and protect us, to console and comfort us, and to give us strength and courage amidst persecution.

When evil occurs around you, don’t be tempted to fall away from the Lord. Trust Him, and know that the Holy Spirit is with you.