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The Counselor, The Holy Spirit (John 14:15-17)

 At first, the words of Jesus in verse 15 seem much too hard. But if we remember that for St. John, "love" is that supernatural fellowship with God Himself, then we realize that loving God and keeping the commandments are not things that we simply try to do; we let God take control of us, and live through us.

Jesus says he will ask the Father, and the Father will give us the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of truth. He is God, along with Jesus the Son of God, and of course, God the Father.

We remember--as we said before--that "world" for St. John is everyone who is opposed to God's will. So Jesus is telling his apostles that they did receive the Holy Spirit when he washed them. That's why he told Peter, "If I do not wash you, you will have no part with me." Therefore, the foot-washing was the Christian baptism for the apostles.

The Holy Spirit lives in all of those who receive Jesus. And as we will see, he guides the apostles, and therefore, the Church. There is no reason to think that because the Holy Spirit dwells in me, that he cannot also guide the Church. This is a great mystery, but I hope it is one that fills you with great confidence, and holy joy.

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