THE PRESENCE OF CHRIST THROUGH THE HOLY SPIRIT

Homily for the Sixth Sunday of Easter, Year A

Fr. Ugochukwu Ugwoke, ISch

Acts of the Apostles 8:5-8, 14-17; Peter 3:15-18; John 14:15-21

One of the deepest fears human beings experience is the fear of abandonment. Nobody wants to feel left alone, forgotten, unsupported, or disconnected from the people they love. We see this fear in children when parents travel away, in families separated by death, and even in friendships when communication suddenly goes silent. It is this human fear that forms the background of today’s Gospel.

The event in today’s Gospel took place shortly before the Ascension of Jesus Christ. Jesus knew that His disciples were troubled at the thought of His departure. They had left everything to follow Him. He had become their teacher, protector, and source of strength. Naturally, they were afraid of what life would become without His physical presence. That is why Jesus gives them this comforting promise: “I will not leave you orphans.” He assures them that although He would ascend to the Father, He would remain present with them through the Holy Spirit.

This is one of the most beautiful truths of the Christian faith: Christ did not abandon His Church. His presence did not end with the Ascension. Through the Holy Spirit, Christ continues to guide, strengthen, teach, console, and sanctify His people. The Holy Spirit is not merely a symbol or an abstract force. He is the living presence of God dwelling within the believer.

Jesus calls the Holy Spirit the “Advocate” and the “Spirit of truth.” In a world filled with confusion, fear, distractions, and competing voices, the Holy Spirit becomes our interior guide. He reminds us of God’s truth when the world pulls us toward falsehood. He strengthens us when we feel weak. He gives peace when our hearts are restless. Sometimes we look for Christ only in extraordinary signs, yet very often His presence comes quietly through the Holy Spirit - in prayer, in the Scriptures, in the sacraments, in moments of conviction, and even in the strength to continue when life becomes difficult.

The first reading from the Acts of the Apostles beautifully demonstrates the power of Christ’s presence through the Spirit. Philip goes to Samaria and proclaims Christ. The sick are healed, people are delivered from unclean spirits, and the city is filled with joy. Notice that although Jesus had ascended, His work continued through the Holy Spirit acting in the apostles and the Church. Christ was no longer physically walking the roads of Palestine, yet He remained spiritually active among His people.

This same Spirit is still at work today. The Holy Spirit sustains the Church, inspires holiness, heals wounded hearts, strengthens families, and gives courage to believers facing trials. Christianity is not simply the memory of a man who once lived. It is a living relationship with the risen Christ who remains present among us. That is why Saint Peter in the second reading urges Christians to be ready to give reasons for their hope. The Christian hope is not based on optimism or human strength alone. It is rooted in the certainty that Christ is still with His people.

And perhaps that is the message many people need to hear today: you are not abandoned. In your struggles, fears, loneliness, disappointments, and uncertainties, Christ remains present. Through the Holy Spirit, He still walks with His people.