The first reading narrates the project of the Father in creation. In the second reading it is explained that this project is carried out by the Son, but we do not yet know that the path to salvation will be not only strange, but even absurd. That is why the Spirit’s work is necessary. Only he can lead us to adhere to the project of the Father and the work of the Son.
 
 He will tell you of the things to come (v.13). This is not—as claimed by the Jehovah’s Witnesses —the predictions about the end of the world, but the practical implications of Jesus’ message. 
 
It is not enough to read what is written in the gospel; one needs to apply it to the concrete situations of the world. 
 
The disciples of Christ will not deceive themselves in these interpretations if they will follow the impulse of the Spirit because he is the one in charge of guiding “into the whole truth” (v.13).
 
 To whom does the Spirit reveal himself? All Christ’s disciples are educated and guided by the Spirit: “You have received from him an anointing and it remains with you, so you do not need someone to teach you; so remain in him and keep what he has taught you” 
(1 John 2:27).
 
In the Acts of the Apostles, an episode shows the way and the privileged setting in which the Spirit loves to manifest himself.
 
In Antioch, while the disciples came together to worship the Lord, the Spirit “speaks,” reveals his plans, his will, his choices (Acts 13:1-2). 
 
Prayer, reflection, meditation on the Word and fraternal dialogue create the conditions that allow the Spirit to reveal himself. He does not miraculously send the solutions from heaven; he does not reserve his illuminations to some privileged member; he does not replace the efforts of people, but rather accompanies the passionate pursuit of God’s will that the disciples do together. 
 
That’s why, in the early Church, everyone was invited to share with the brethren what, during the community meeting, the Spirit suggested for the edification of all (1 Corinthians 14).
 
He will glorify me (v.14). To glorify means for us to applaud, exalt, incense, magnify. Jesus does   not need these honours. He is glorified when the Father’s plan of salvation is implemented: the evil becomes right, the poor receives help, the sufferer finds solace, the unhappy resumes to hope and to believe in life, the lame man stands up and the leper is made clean. Jesus glorified the Father because he finished the work of salvation which he had been entrusted.
 
The Spirit in turn glorifies Jesus because he opens the minds and hearts of people to his gospel, gives them the strength to love even the enemies, renews relations between people and creates a society founded on the law of love. 
 
That is the glory of the Father, the Son and the Spirit: a world in which all are his children and they live happily!
 
 
● Father Fernando Armellini SCJ
   Claretian Publications
   bibleclaret.org
   
Translated by Father John Ledesma SDB
Abridged by Father Thomas Thennedyil CMF