Augustine -The comfort of the Holy Spirit, commentary on 1 John 5:13-21

On the First Letter of John by Saint Augustine: 

Our Heart Longs for God

A better translation.
A Word in Season, Readings for the Liturgy of the Hours - Easter,  
Augustine Press 2001.

Night Office

Sixth Week of Easter  MONDAY Year I

First Reading           1 John 5:13-21

Responsory                                             1 In 5:20i In 1:17

We know that the Son of God has come + and has given us the dis­cernment to recognize the true God, alleluia.

V. No one has ever seen God; the only Son, who is nearest the Fa­ther's heart, has made him known, + and has given ...

Second Reading

From a homily by Saint Augustine of Hippo (In. Joh., 94,1-3: CCl 36, 561-563)

The comfort of the Holy Spirit

When the Lord Jesus had forewarned his disciples about the persecutions they would be called upon to suffer after he had left them, he went on to say: I did not tell you these things at first, because I was still with you. But now it is time for me to leave you and return to him that sent me. It is clear from the context that our Lord is referring to his teaching on the coming of the Holy Spirit, who would bear witness to him when the time came for his disciples to endure the trials of which he had spoken.

This advocate or comforter was going to be greatly needed by the disciples after Christ had left them. While he was still among them there had been no cause for him to mention the Holy Spirit, for then they drew their strength from the presence of the Lord himself. But when his departure was at hand, then it was necessary for him to tell them of the coming of the one who would so kindle the fire of love within their hearts as to enable them to proclaim the word of God with boldness. He would be within them, bearing witness to Christ. The disciples themselves would also bear witness to him; nor would they be shaken or discouraged when the Jewish leaders threw them out of their synagogues and even put them to death in the belief that they were acting in defense of God's own interests. Throughout all this the disciples would be sustained and strengthened by an all-enduring love poured into their hearts by the gift of the Holy Spirit. From this we see how Christ intended his disciples to become martyrs, that is, witnesses to him, by means of the Holy Spirit. With the Spirit at work within them they would be able to endure every kind of persecution and hardship, never allowing their zeal to cool but, with the divine fire ablaze in their breasts, continuing to preach the gospel openly.

But now I have forewarned you of these things, so that when the time comes you may remember that I did indeed speak to YOU of them. I have spoken to you of these things, namely that you will not only have suffering to endure but that you will have an Advocate who will be my witness when he comes, so that you may not be cowed by fear and reduced to silence, but may add your testimony to his. Yet I refrained from telling you these things at first, because you still had me with you, and I could then uphold you with my bodily presence, which your senses could appreciate and your simple minds could grasp.

Responsory                                            In 14:16-17i 16:7

I will ask the Father and he will give you another Advocate, the Spirit of truth, + to remain with you forever, alleluia.

V. If I do not go, the Advocate will not come to you, but if I go, I will send him to you, + to remain with ...