It is 23rd May 2017. The readings are from Acts 16:22-34; and the Gospel from John 16:5-11. The first reading narrates the imprisonment of St.Paul and his companions and the conversion of the jailer to embrace the faith in Jesus. The healing of a young girl who was possessed by evil spirit put the apostles into a situation where they were flogged, stripped and prisoned. A true and committed missionary spirit could take the missionaries to this level to experience the power of the Holy Spirit who can set them free even from the deepest jail. Our willingness to suffer for Christ makes us closer to the person of the Holy Spirit. Our prayers and singings in the Spirit during the time of pain and suffering allows us to feel the presence of the Holy Spirit and allows the others to come closer to Jesus. Our faith is not for ourselves only. Our faith in the Lord Jesus must attract, lead and inspire others to Him. The responsorial Psalm prays, “You stretch out your hand and save me, O Lord.” (Ps.137:7). The Gospel instills the power of the Holy Spirit in our lives. When we encounter the Holy Spirit and accept Him in our lives, He will show us what we truly lack spiritually. The Holy Spirit is always with us to examine our inner consciences and the impact of the sin in our spiritual life. It is the Holy Spirit who leads us to Jesus through the healing words of the Lord. Our submission and acceptance of the Spirit of the Truth help us to understand and to recognize the evil in us and around. Our relationship with the Holy Spirit brings the profound conversion in us and impacting on the others too. May we be open to invite the Spirit of God into our lives to purify ourselves so as to experience Jesus in His goodness and might. May you have a good day.