The Touch of the Holy Spirit
Sixth Sunday of Easter – May 10, 2026
When we stop to think about it, our lives demand and need to be physically touched, in appropriate ways, if we are to live a happy and healthy life. A baby will physically die if it does not receive physical touches and caresses from mum, dad and others. Young boys are energised when dad places his hand on him in a loving way: showing pride and protection.
This is an important background for us to think about in the context of today’s readings. God touches us through the Advocate, the Holy Spirit. But it is hard to feel unless we are willing to be God’s hand, feet, mouth, etc. for each other. It is in our acts of love for others that God becomes visible.
The First Reading reminds us of those two parts of being a Christian:
1) to have belief (Baptism by water), and
2) to have Faith (we are moved to action, inspired by the Holy Spirit).
The Reading also reveals the importance of touch, and the importance of WHO touches. Human beings are wired to be connected. But not just any connection. And these connections are mysterious and amazing. Many of us have heard stories of twins, where one dies and the other twin feels something even if they are on the other side of the world.
Prior to the 1960’s Church Council (Vatican II), the moral teachings of the Church focused on personal morality: concentrated on whether we did good or bad things personally.
After Vatican II, the emphasis was much more on the second moral dimension of being a Christian: what we should be doing for other people, our community and the world.
As Bruce Lee said: “Knowing is not enough, we must apply. Willing is not enough, we must do.”
and Paulo Coelho said: “The world is changed by your example, not by your opinion.”
As Christians we are called to help the world to evolve: there is no happiness in passivity.
Our personal morality is important, but acts of charity for others are equally important.
However, our human reasoning (unconsciously?) usually wants to know “what’s in it for me?” The situation in the world today is a good example of why our Christian witnessing is so important: the uncertainty and suffering caused by wars, nations suffering starvation, large numbers unemployed, people addicted to drugs, etc.
Acting as a Christian is an investment in our personal future, and the future of our children. It is difficult to put a cash value on positively influencing society through our Christian actions: it is all encompassing and valuable. It is like trying to put a cash value on what a mother does in the home! Likewise, Governments and industry are reluctant to value the harm caused by environmental damage, or the positive cash value of caring for the environment.
However, God knows, it is not easy to be a Christian witness! Which is why the Gospel tells us to rely on the Advocate that is sent to each of us: the Holy Spirit. This is how St Paul and other Apostles and martyrs were able to withstand beatings, prison and stoning without losing hope.
Jesus promised to send us the Advocate: and the Holy Spirit came to the Samaritans through the Apostles, and likewise, God wants to send the Holy Spirit into our world through each one of us. One Oblate youth member is an Advocate and shared five things an Advocate should do:
1) Advocates help others to understand the Law = help educate people at home;
2) Advocates defend others in the Court of Law = stand with our brothers and sisters at home;
3) Advocates must speak only the truth = speak/act honestly to our neighbours;
4) Advocates give themselves fully to their Clients = be generous to our neighbours; and
5) Advocates must not favour one Client over another (eg. rich over poor).
As we reflect on Mother’s Day, we can see that our mothers often act like an Advocate for us: when at home and we get into trouble for doing the wrong thing; but when we are outside, our mums stand up for us ready to make excuses and apologise for our behaviour.
It is the same possessive love that God has for us. We have to face the consequences of our actions, but the Advocate will stand up for us day by day. However, like our mothers, the Holy Spirit can be a tough teacher when we don’t listen, or we ignore the commandments.
Rather than see the Commandments as a bunch of rules that WE HAVE TO FOLLOW, can we take time this week to reflect on the Commandments as a pathway that creates, strengthens and protects good family and neighbourhood relationships?
The more we invest in our neighbours, the greater security we build for the future. We show our love for God when we live our lives according to the Commandments, because living by the Commandments blesses our neighbours with peace and, hopefully, joy!
By Gerard Conlan, OMI