Optional Memorial of Saint John I, pope, martyr

Brief Background:

Pope John I was pope from 523–526 AD during a difficult time in the Church when tensions existed between the Catholic Church and the Arian rulers of Italy. He was sent by the Ostrogoth king Theodoric to Constantinople on a political and religious mission to the Eastern Emperor Justin I.

Although Pope John I successfully carried out the mission, King Theodoric suspected him of betrayal upon his return. The pope was imprisoned in Ravenna, where he suffered greatly and eventually died from mistreatment and neglect, becoming a martyr for the faith.

He is remembered for his courage, fidelity to the Church, and perseverance under persecution. He is the patron saint of dialogue between East and West Christians, diplomatic missions, and those suffering imprisonment for the faith.

REFLECTION:

As we continue our journey toward the great feast of Pentecost, the Church places before us readings that prepare our hearts for the coming of the Holy Spirit. We are now on the countdown to the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles — the moment that transformed fearful disciples into courageous witnesses of Christ.

In today’s reading from Acts of the Apostles 19:1–8, St. Paul encounters a group of disciples in Ephesus who say something surprising: “We have never even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.” Imagine that. They were believers. They were sincere. They were trying to follow God. Yet they did not know the Holy Spirit. And perhaps many Catholics today are not too different.

We know about God the Father. We know about Jesus Christ. But the Holy Spirit often remains the “unknown Person” of the Trinity. So who is the Holy Spirit? The Holy Spirit is not merely a force, feeling, or symbol. The Holy Spirit is God Himself — the living breath of God, the love between the Father and the Son, the Advocate promised by Jesus.

The Holy Spirit:

• gives life,
• gives courage,
• gives wisdom,
• convicts hearts,
• strengthens the weak,
• heals wounds,
• and transforms ordinary people into saints.

Before the Holy Spirit came at Pentecost, the Apostles were afraid.

Even in today’s Gospel from Gospel of John 16:29–33, the disciples say confidently that they believe in Jesus. But Jesus knows their weakness. He tells them that the hour is coming when they will scatter and leave Him alone. And that is exactly what happens during the Passion.

Without the Holy Spirit: faith becomes weak, prayer becomes dry, and disciples become fearful. But after Pentecost, everything changes. Peter, who once denied Jesus three times, now stands boldly before crowds. The Apostles, who once hid behind locked doors, now preach fearlessly to the world. The Church is born through the power of the Holy Spirit. That same Holy Spirit is given to us.

Many people think Confirmation is the “graduation” from Church. But Confirmation is really Pentecost for the believer. It is the strengthening of the Spirit within us so that we may live not merely as Catholics by name, but as missionary disciples.

The question for us today is not: “Have I heard about the Holy Spirit?”

The deeper question is: “Am I living by the Holy Spirit?” Do I allow the Spirit to guide my decisions? To shape my words? To strengthen me in trials? To help me forgive? To lead me closer to Jesus?

Jesus says in the Gospel: “In the world you will have trouble, but take courage, I have conquered the world.” The Holy Spirit is the gift that allows us to live in that courage. As Pentecost approaches, perhaps this is the prayer we should begin making every day:
“Come, Holy Spirit. Fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love.”