Homily: Sixth Sunday of Easter (A)
Acts of the Apostles 8:5–8, 14–17 • First Letter of Peter 3:15–18 • Gospel of John 14:15–21
10 May 2026
Fr. Ricky Cañet Montañez, AA
“Unreliable Wi-fi.” Isn’t that one of the most frustrating experiences in this digital age? The signal appears strong—but there is no internet connection. Moreover, when that happens to many young people today, it can feel like the end of the world, doesn’t it? Sometimes, our spiritual life can be like that too. We are baptised Catholics. We believe in God. We attend Mass. We know our prayers. However, deep inside, something still feels weak. There is little joy, little courage, and little spiritual energy. The connection is there—but the fire seems to have faded.
That is why today’s First Reading is very important. The people of Samaria had already accepted the Word of God and had been baptised (Acts 8:12). Yet, the apostles still came to them because, as Scripture says, “the Holy Spirit had not yet fallen upon any of them” (Acts 8:16). Then Peter and John laid hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit (Acts 8:17). For us Catholics, this scene immediately reminds us of the Sacrament of Confirmation. This passage is one of its clearest biblical foundations. Baptism begins the life of faith. Confirmation strengthens, seals, and deepens that faith through the gift of the Holy Spirit. It is like having a cellphone with a signal but almost no battery power. Confirmation becomes God’s power connection within us. The Holy Spirit gives spiritual strength, courage, wisdom, endurance, and fire.
And this is exactly what many people need today. Many Catholics remain connected to the Church externally, yet inwardly disconnected from mission. Present physically—yet spiritually on “airplane mode.” What are the signs of this? We panic easily when things go wrong, and we give up quickly when life becomes difficult. We become shy about our faith. Some people are embarrassed to make the sign of the cross in public. Others hesitate to say, “I’ll pray for you.” Many are afraid to stand for truth, honesty, kindness, and compassion when the world pressures them into silence.
That is why St. Peter tells us in the Second Reading: “Always be ready to give an explanation to anyone who asks you for a reason for your hope” (1 Peter 3:15). In other words: do not become a silent Christian. Be ready to suffer for doing what is right. Be willing to stand for Christ and His teachings, even when doing so is unpopular. The Holy Spirit strengthens us not only to believe privately, but to witness courageously and lovingly.
Sisters and Brothers in Christ, in today’s Gospel, Jesus gives this beautiful promise: “I will not leave you orphans” (John 14:18). These words are deeply consoling. Jesus knew that His disciples would sometimes feel weak, confused, afraid, and alone. That is why He promised the Holy Spirit—not as an abstract force, but as God’s living presence within us. The Holy Spirit reminds us that God is near. That we are never abandoned. That faith is not merely ritual, but relationship. Today, we are challenged not merely to remain connected to religion, but to be truly empowered by the Holy Spirit. Moreso, Christ’s promise extends to each one of us who chooses to love and follow Him, even unto the Cross: “Whoever has my commandments and observes them is the one who loves me. Yes, whoever loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and reveal myself to him” (John 14:21).
This Gospel also speaks beautifully to us as we celebrate Mother’s Day today. In many ways, mothers reflect the quiet and faithful presence of the Holy Spirit. Like the Holy Spirit, a mother comforts, guides, strengthens, sacrifices, and remains present even when unnoticed. Many mothers live quietly and simply—yet they hold the family together. They encourage us when we are weak, pray for us when we are lost, and continue loving us even when we fail. Through them, we experience something of God’s patient, faithful, and enduring love. Today, we thank all mothers—not only biological mothers, but also grandmothers, godmothers, spiritual mothers, and all women who nurture life, faith, and hope in others.
In the end, the goal of our faith is not simply to have a signal, but to live in deep and lasting communion with God. God does not desire half-hearted Christians. He desires disciples who are joyful, courageous, compassionate, and alive with the fire of the Holy Spirit. For the Spirit is God’s living presence within us—strengthening us to love, to endure, and, despite our weaknesses, to bear witness to Christ in the world today!
Sunday Gospel Reflections 