The story is told of a number of farm laborers on the Yorkshire dales, tending sheep flocks as Sunset approached. The barking of a faraway dog suddenly broke the quiet of the warm and pleasant evening. All heads turned towards the excited animal. The dog began to run across the hills – a race that was soon joined by many other dogs from around. One by one, the dogs joined the race. One by one, they left it. In no time they had lost interest and bowed out. Only one remained – the original contender.
At the Fair Day on the following week, many of the spectators to the previous week’s event met. All remarked that the whole saga had been very unusual. To see so many dogs join the race and lose interest in such a short space of time proved quite a mystery to them. The owner of the newsworthy dog was asked for his analysis. Smiling he said, ‘the one difference between my dog and the others was that my dog saw the rabbit. The others did not’. We could analyze a similar mystery, why do so many fall away from religion, why do so many loose the faith? Because they have not seen and experienced the loving care of God in their lives. Jesus tells us in the gospel today that He will not leave us orphaned, he will send us the Holy Spirit, the Advocate: Divine Friend on call. The Holy Spirit right now for me is my conscience (as St. Peter reminds us in the second reading) he is a kind of e-mail from heaven. Any problem in transmission resides with me the receiver, for the sender is an all-knowing troubleshooter who is the answer to all of life’s problems. As we struggle to cope with covid 19, as we grapple with doubts about our faith and religion, as we sometimes lack motivation and enthusiasm for life (is it worth while this hassle?). The Holy Spirit is always with me reminding me of the peace that only he can give. The Holy Spirit helps us get through the trials, vicissitudes and tribulations of our life. Let’s open our eyes and hearts to spot the generous designs of a caring God, working through his Holy Spirit.