Sixth Sunday of Easter – Year A
May 10 2026 – 10:30 AM
Saint Cecilia Catholic Community
Deacon Sharon Kay Talley
Acts 8:5-18;14-17 | Psalm 66:1-7;16,20
I Peter 3:15-18 | John 15:15-21
+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.
WE ARE NOT ALONE! Not in our struggles, not in our triumphs or accomplishments, not in our doubts or our sufferings, and not even in our attempts to love God. Jesus does not leave us orphaned after His departure from this earth. Instead, He gives us His presence in our lives through the Holy Spirit.
In our Gospel from John, Jesus speaks to His disciples at a moment of transition. He knows that His earthly presence with them is coming to an end. He also knows they will feel confused, afraid, and even abandoned. So He prepares His followers with the promise, “I will not leave you orphans. I will come to you.”
The word “orphan” literally means a child whose parents are dead. Ir’s not just about being alone, it’s about being without belonging, without identity, without protection. Jesus recognizes that without Him, the disciples would feel lost in exactly that way. And we all know that feeling too!
Sometimes there are moments in life when God can feel distant. We try to live faithfully, but we are met with setbacks, misunderstandings, or even rejection. In those moments we may wonder; where is God?
But Jesus answers that question before we even ask it. He says, “I will ask the Father, and He will give you an Advocate to be with you always, the Spirit of Truth.”
The Holy Spirit is not just a vague force or abstract idea. The Holy Spirit is God’s own presence dwelling within us. The Holy Spirit is the continuation of Jesus’ presence in a new and intimate way—not beside us, but within us.
And notice the word Jesus uses: “Advocate”. This can mean helper, comforter, or even counselor. The Advocate of whom Jesus speaks of is one who stands with you, speaks for you, strengthens you, and guides you. This means that our lives are not something we are meant to manage on our own, but something we live in constant relationship with the Holy Spirit.
Jesus goes on to say something that challenges us: “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” At first, this can sound conditional. It’s important to carefully interpret His words. Jesus is not saying, “Prove your love by obeying me.” He is saying, “If you truly love me, your life will begin to reflect that love.”
Love in the Christian sense is not just a feeling. It is a transformation. When we love Jesus, we begin to see differently, to choose differently, and to live differently. Jesus’ commandments are not burdens imposed upon us, but instead are expressions of a new life unfolding within us.
This is where the Holy Spirit becomes essential. Because, let’s face it: loving as Jesus loves is not easy; forgiving those who harm us is not easy; standing firm in faith when it is unpopular is not easy; choosing truth when it is inconvenient is not easy. But all of these are the fruit of the Holy Spirit.
In our first reading from Acts, Philip gives us a glimpse of this in action. When he goes to Samaria, a place of division and tension and proclaims Christ to them, people listen. Lives are changed. Spirits are healed. Why? Because the Holy Spirit is at work! But then, something interesting happens. The apostles in Jerusalem hear about this and send Peter and John. When they arrive, they pray for the people to receive the Holy Spirit since it had not yet come upon them in its fullness.
So, let me ask you a question. Do you live as someone who truly believes that God lives in you through the Holy Spirit, or do you still act as though you are alone?
Our second reading speaks to this question as Peter addresses a community that is suffering—misunderstood and challenged. He tells them, “Always be ready to give an explanation to anyone who asks you for a reason for your hope—but do so with gentleness and reverence.” So where does that hope come from? Not from circumstances, not from guarantees of success or comfort. It comes from the presence of Christ, alive in us through the Holy Spirit.
Today, we present Destania Elizabeth, a baptismal candidate, who comes with a desire to grow in faith. Baptism marks the beginning of a deeper journey—one shaped by love, transformation, and commitment. She will work with the Holy Spirit by seeking wisdom through prayer, faith, an open heart, and her willingness to grow. She will partner with the Holy Spirit to live a life that reflects compassion, strength, and purpose.
The Holy Spirit helps us endure suffering without losing faith and allows us to face uncertainty without despair. Always remember: whatever you are carrying right now—fear, grief, uncertainty, frustration—you are not carrying it alone. The Holy Spirit is with you! Holy Spirit, come into my life! Amen.