Love unfolding itself in action is the heart of this reading’s message. Obedience as the sure sign of love (vv 15, 21) reflects God’s command in the Jewish Scriptures (Dt 6:4-6; 11:1). Jesus here is actually demanding the same sort of love from his followers that God deserves.

The word "paraclete" of v 16 has a number of meanings, all of which convey the idea of someone who represents — or even contains in some way —another person, as an advocate, spokesperson, teacher, or witness. "Another Paraclete" expresses a continuity between the activity of Christ and of his Spirit in the Church. What Christ accomplished, his Spirit would continue.

The return of Jesus in vv 18-19 is not so much the promise of his return in fullness at the end of the world, but his continued presence within his Church. This presence will be expressed and realized by his faithful disciples, but not seen nor understood by those who have no faith and are "of the world." Thus, in ordinary life, the Christian experiences union with Christ, just as Christ is one with the Father (v 20). The bond of this union is love: the love of God, which is the Spirit, and the corresponding love of the disciple, which is obedience.

In Luke’s story of the step-by-step spread of the faith from the first Jerusalem community to the entire world, the conversion of the Samaritans is a logical intermediate stage. They were of Jewish origin, but regarded as heretical traitors, and therefore could be considered "half-Gentile." The preaching of Philip (himself a Greek-Jewish convert, and a deacon, see 6:5) and the signs which accompanied his message inspired in the people a rather emotional manifestation of faith (v 8) and triumphantly overcame a blatant display of magical opposition (vv 9-13).

The laying of hands by Simon Peter and John (vv 14-16), although reflecting something of the origins of confirmation and/or "baptism in the Holy Spirit," was mainly a sign of the acceptance of the Samaritan Christian community by the Jerusalem community, which would of course involve a sharing or recognition of the same Spirit. (Acceptance into the fullness of the life of the Spirit-filled community by the bishop is the foundation of confirmation as a sacrament.)

This incident shows the unifying gift of the Spirit as promised in the Gospel overcoming natural enmity to unite diverse and hostile people as one in Christ. It must have taken considerable courage for the apostles to take this step because they probably faced strong opposition from many Jewish Christians.

This psalm commemorates the deliverance of Israel from her enemies, and witnesses to all nations the Lordship of Israel’s God. Response: "Let all the earth cry out to God with joy."

The hope of the Christian should be evident by his or her lifestyle. Are we today noticeable in society by the goodness of our lives? And further, how ready are we to give an account of just what and why we believe? Defensiveness and argumentation about religion accomplish little, but we should be ever ready to present a good explanation of what we believe to those who are searching for faith.

1. Discuss the relationship between love and obedience.

2. How can you give an account of your faith and hope in Christ?