The description of the Holy Spirit as "the love between the Father and the Son".

This understanding goes back to Augustine, who observed

that the Holy Spirit is neither of the Father alone nor of the Son alone,but of both.

The Holy Spirit is not just a force, but the personal subsistence of this love—the third Person of the Trinit.

 

＊＊＊ 1st Reading ＊＊＊     

Acts 14:5-18

A move was made

By pagans and Jews, together with their leaders, to harm the apostles and to stone them.

But Paul and Barnabas learned of this and fled to the Lycaonian towns of Lystra and Derbe

and to the surrounding countryside, where they continued preaching the Good News.

 

Paul and Barnabas spent a fairly long time at Lystra.

There was a crippled man in Lystra who had never been able to stand or walk.

One day as he was listening to the preaching,

Paul looked intently at him and saw that he had the faith to be saved.

 

So he said with a loud voice, "Stand upright on your feet."

And the man leaped up and began walking. When the people saw what Paul had done,

they cried out in the language of Lycaonia, "The gods have come to us in human likeness!"

They named Barnabas Zeus, and Paul they called Hermes, since he was the chief speaker.

Even the priest of the temple of Zeus, which stood outside the town,

brought oxen and garlands to the gate; together with the people,

he wanted to offer sacrifice to them.

 

When Barnabas and Paul heard this, they tore their garments, to show their indignation,

and rushed into the crowd, shouting, "Friends, why are you doing this?

We are human beings, with the same weakness you have,

and we are now telling you to turn away from these useless things,

to the living God who made the heavens, the earth, the sea and all that is in them.

 

In past generations, he allowed each nation to go its own way,

though he never stopped making himself known; for he is continually doing good,

giving you rain from heaven and fruitful seasons, providing you with food,

and filling your hearts with gladness." Even these words could

hardly keep the crowd from offering sacrifice to them.

 

Ps 115:1-2, 3-4, 15-16

Not to us, O Lord, but to your name give the glory.

 

＊＊＊ Gospel ＊＊＊      

John 14:21-26

Whoever keeps my commandments is the one who loves me.

If he loves me, he will also be loved by my Father;

I too shall love him and show myself clearly to him." Judas – not Judas Iscariot – asked Jesus, "

Lord, how can it be that you will show yourself clearly to us and not to the world?"

 

Jesus answered him, "If anyone loves me, he will keep my word and my Father will love him;

and we will come to him and live with him. But if anyone does not love me,

he will not keep my words; and these words that you hear are not mine, but the Father who sent me.

 

I told you all this while I am still with you. From now on the Helper,

the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things,

and remind you of all that I have told you.

 

Gospel Reflection ：

"The love between the Father and the Son."

An advocate is a professional qualified to represent another in a court of law.

Advocates support clients in various legal matters.

 

Jesus describes an advocate who will come to assist his disciples at the appointed time:

the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is described as "the love between the Father and the Son."

This Spirit empowered the disciples to continue Jesus' mission after He returned to His Father,

enabling them to preach the Gospel to all nations, even in the face of adversity and martyrdom.

The same Spirit has been given to us. Through baptism, we receive strength from the Holy Spirit,

assuring us of Jesus's enduring presence. In the Spirit,

we carry on Christ's mission in whatever vocation God has entrusted to us.