Read John 16:12-15
Some of us can ‘do maths’, while others are baffled by numbers. As we grow up, we tend to master the skills we need to get by in life—unless, of course, we are among those who find numbers fascinating for their own sake.
My father was one of those people. He took advanced maths in his stride at school and remained unfazed by the subject throughout his life. He was baffled by my adolescent struggles with elementary O-level maths, and I was equally baffled by his bafflement. As life has gone on, I have reached a point where I am reasonably competent in the maths I need to use—but no more.
After Pentecost, the disciples were to become leaders of the new Church. In today’s passage, Jesus explains that the Holy Spirit will help them understand what they need to know and will progressively deepen their understanding.
We need to remind ourselves of that from time to time, especially when we feel inadequate for the work we believe we are called to do. The totality of God’s truth is beyond our comprehension; it is truly ‘mind-blowing’. Yet when we look back, we realise that faith is a learning process: the more we learn, the more our capacity to learn grows. The Holy Spirit always meets us where we are and helps us move forward from there.
It is easy to compare our understanding with that of others—a dangerous pastime. God helps us know and understand what is necessary for us, and within our capacity. Our conversations about our progress in this lifelong school of faith should be with our teacher, the Holy Spirit, not with our peers.
A Prayer
Holy Spirit, help me to rely on you for the teaching I need to understand your ways and your will for me. Spare me the agony of trying to be like others and help me instead to become the person you are calling me to be. Amen.