Study, Pray, Serve: 6th Sunday of Easter

In this episode of Catholic Inspiration, Fr. Andrew Ritchie reflects on the readings for the Sixth Sunday of Easter, focusing on the Gospel of John 14:15–21, the Acts of the Apostles 8:5–8, 14–17, and 1 Peter 3:15–18. He emphasizes that authentic love for Jesus is inseparable from obedience to His commandments, and that this love is empowered by the Holy Spirit—the 'advocate' and 'spirit of truth' promised by Christ. The passage from Acts illustrates how the Holy Spirit was bestowed upon the people of Samaria through the apostles’ prayer and laying on of hands, demonstrating that the Spirit is available to all who open their hearts to God’s call. Fr. Ritchie connects this to the present-day experience of believers, reminding listeners that the same Spirit dwells in us through baptism and confirmation, and can be invoked through prayer. He concludes with a powerful call to live out our faith with gentleness and integrity, as St. Peter urges: to be ready to give a reason for our hope, not through argument, but through a life of virtue and humility that speaks louder than words.