Today is the 6th Sunday of Easter, and within these six consecutive Sundays, many of us have come to realize more deeply that the Risen Lord is truly alive. He continues to walk with us, teach us, and remind us that He was truly seen by the Apostles after His Resurrection. On several occasions, Jesus greeted them with the words, “Peace be with you,” assuring them that everything He had spoken and promised was true and real.
On November 4, 2025, right after the typhoon, many evacuees came to our Retreat House seeking shelter. When the storm had passed and the weather became calm, everyone gradually returned to their homes. Yet one unexpected guest remained — a brown stray dog. My Augustinian brothers eventually welcomed this rare and unexpected member “de familia.” We named her Leah.
Leah came to us quietly and unexpectedly, but over time she became part of our community. On February 5, 2026, she gave birth to eight beautiful puppies. We grew to love Leah because of her gentleness. She was never aggressive toward retreatants and visitors. Amazingly, she never entered the chapel or rectory unless invited. She proved herself to be an intelligent and remarkably disciplined dog.
What touched us most was the extraordinary love and care she showed her puppies. We observed how Leah sacrificed for them. Many times, she would allow the puppies to eat first before taking food for herself. If nothing remained, she would simply stay quiet and wait patiently for another opportunity to eat. In her own simple way, Leah revealed something profound about love and self-sacrifice.
I share this story because I believe that even animals, through their natural instincts, can teach us valuable lessons about love, care, and sacrifice — lessons that we humans are sometimes slow to learn.
This simple story connects beautifully with today’s Gospel.
In the first reading from the Acts of the Apostles, Philip courageously proclaimed the Gospel to the people of Samaria, and many accepted the faith with joy.
In the second reading, First Epistle of Peter encourages Christians to remain ready to give witness to the hope they have in Christ, even amid suffering and trials.
In today’s gospel from St. John, Jesus promises His disciples that He will send them another Advocate — the Spirit of Truth.
Jesus speaks these words during His farewell discourse to His disciples. He knew that His suffering and death were near, and so He wanted to strengthen them.
First, Jesus reassures His disciples that although He would soon leave them physically, they would never be abandoned because He would send the Holy Spirit, the Advocate, to remain with them and continue His presence among them. He reminds them that true love for Him is shown by keeping His commandments, not merely as rules to follow, but as a response flowing from a loving relationship with Him. The love Jesus asks from us is deep, sincere, and sacrificial, expressed through faithfulness, care, and self-giving for others, like the strong bond within a family, or like the tender and selfless love Leah-the dog showed for her puppies, though Christ’s love is infinitely greater and more profound.
Second, when Jesus speaks of “another Advocate,” we understand that Jesus Himself was the first Advocate before the Father on behalf of humanity. Now, the “another Advocate” refers to the Holy Spirit, who continues to intercede for us and guide us toward God. Jesus’ departure would pave the way for the permanent gift of the Holy Spirit dwelling within His disciples and within the Church.
Third, the disciples would come to realize that the Holy Spirit is the bond of unity between the Father and the Son, a communion in which the Church also participates. Through the Holy Spirit, believers are drawn into the very life and love of God.
The evangelist John also presents a contrast between the community of disciples and the unbelieving world. Those who remain closed to the Spirit of Truth stay in darkness because they refuse to open their minds and hearts to God’s revelation. But those who welcome the Holy Spirit grow in faith, understanding, and love through their witnessing and discipleship.
The early Christians trusted the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and amazing things happened. They understood the message of Jesus deeply; therefore, they believed, were baptized, and courageously proclaimed the Gospel despite persecution and hardship.
We, too, should not be discouraged by our weaknesses or feel unworthy as followers of Christ. The same Holy Spirit who strengthened the Apostles continues to work within us today. He gives us courage, confidence, wisdom, and perseverance so that even in difficult times we may continue to share the Good News of Jesus.
Therefore, the Holy Spirit teaches us how to love others genuinely and sacrificially. Even the simple example of my mother, +Rita, all the Mothers in the world, and also like Leah, the dog-mother, reminds us that self-sacrificial love has the power to overcome barriers of distance, indifference, and even suffering.
The Holy Spirit helps us love others even when it is difficult to do so. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, love becomes possible, healing becomes possible, and faithful discipleship becomes possible.
May God bless all the Mothers in the world. Happy Mother’s Day.
Fr. Arlon, OSA
