In a crowded restaurant a man, perhaps in his late forties, was having lunch with a college age youth. Because the other tables were near them, they were conversing softly. However, the restaurant gradually became quieter and quieter until the two men were the only ones talking. The people had realized the two were a father and a son - and they wanted to hear (or overhear) what they were saying to each other.

During these days from Easter until the Ascension, Jesus allows us to “overhear” some of the conversation between him and his Father. We heard, for example that the two of them are “one,” that he always listens to the Father’s voice and, and as a devoted Son, does whatever the Father asks of him. We know that we are hearing about something extremely important. This relationship existed before the world began.*

Now that Jesus is about to “return” to his Father, he tells us something else: that we can not only overhear their conversation, but can actually enter into it.

This happens by joining ourselves to the Church, by listening to her teachings and following them. Our reading from the Acts of the Apostles makes clear that the Holy Spirit speaks to us through the magisterium of the Church. “It is the decision of the Holy Spirit and of us…” (15:28)

If you have been fortunate enough to overhear a few words of the conversation between Jesus and his Father, do not remain distant. Through his Church Jesus wishes to send you the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, so that you might take part in that intimate relationship.

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