Already there

The story is told about four Mexicans who were caught by the US Coast Guard off the coast of California. They claimed they were going to invade America. “Four of you to invade America?” the captain asked laughing. To which the Mexicans retorted: “We are the last. The rest are already there!”

In today’s Gospel (John 14, 15-16. 23b-26), Jesus promised to His disciples the Advocate who will be with them always, who will teach them everything and remind them of all that He has told them.  Through the Holy Spirit, the Advocate, God is with us wherever we are, and He is already there wherever we are going.

It is God’s presence that gives us courage, and God’s love that gives us confidence. As long as we know that we are not alone and that we are loved, we can go through anything, and come out strong and victorious by the power of the Holy Spirit, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

“Come, Holy Spirit!” This is a very powerful prayer. Pray this often, especially when confused, tempted, afraid, or disturbed. Pray it when needing discernment or when making decisions. It is the Holy Spirit that drives away the evil spirit from our minds and hearts.

Is there a “difficult” person in your life that needs conversion? Is there someone who is hurting you or disturbing your peace? Invoke the Holy Spirit to come upon him/her, and be at peace. Let the power of the Most High do the rest.

As I write this column, I have worries about the result of the PET scan which will determine whether I am still cancer-free. Naturally, we worry, but with the Holy Spirit, we can trust, surrender, and believe and be worry-free. Requesting your prayers, dear readers, that I be cancer-free, for life. Amen. “Come, Holy Spirit!”

The Holy Spirit is called the Advocate, the one who helps us in our needs. He is also called the Paraclete, the one who comforts us in our fears. May we all become advocates and paracletes to one another, and of one another.

How do you know that the Holy Spirit is in you? If you have love, joy, peace, patience, endurance, kindness, generosity, faith, mildness, and chastity, then you know that you are living a life in the Spirit.

How do we know we love God? In today’s Gospel, it is very clear: “If you love me, you will keep my word.” The bottom line is not what we say or claim or think that we love God. It is our obedience to God, His word, and His commandments that certifies our love for Him.

The Holy Spirit reminded me of His presence yesterday as I prayed over Caloy, who is presently battling cancer. He told me that we met 15 years ago, and that I prayed over him then, and gave him my own scapular, telling him that he is loved by the Lord and Mama Mary. Yes, there will always be something or someone there to remind us of God’s presence and love. And yes, people remember most the times we made them feel God’s love and presence.

June 12 is our Independence Day. As a country, as a people, we must put ourselves under the guidance of the Holy Spirit (not the evil spirit!). Otherwise, we will continue to be divided, greedy, selfish and uncaring toward one another.

Love of country is something we still have to work on. The Koreans have a strong sense of country. May the Holy Spirit help us to look beyond ourselves, our families, our provinces or regions, and really love our country and our people.

A moment with the Lord:

Lord, thank You for being with us always, and in all ways by the presence of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

jorbos@inquirer.com.ph