Memorial of Saint Athanasius, Bishop and Doctor of the Church

When the Advocate comes whom I will send you from the Father, 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. 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.

Jesus sent us the Holy Spirit from his Father so that his followers would be inspired and be able to testify to the truth even in the face of persecution and the temptation to fall away. The Holy Spirit enkindles our hearts, souls, minds, and bodies with a sanctifying fire that protects us from the darkness that surrounds us and seeks to destroy us. By choosing to be Jesus’ disciples, we have chosen a narrow path to climb and one that is fraught with peril. Our family, friends, neighbors, strangers, and even our own selfish inclinations may oppose us on our journey toward holiness. We will also be assaulted by those evil spirits that prowl the world seeking the ruin of souls. However, as long as we turn to God for strength, guidance, and inspiration, then we shall find our way and one day enjoy the heavenly banquet with the Holy Trinity.

Do we ask the Holy Spirit to testify to the truth through our thoughts, words, and works? Are we willing to suffer and even die in order to live lives that proclaim the Good News? Do we turn to God in our hours of need?

O Lord, we welcome your Holy Spirit into our hearts and only wish for our lives to testify to the truth.

Amen.