Let's begin with the gospel today. in which Jesus continues the farewell discourse began last week. It focuses on the centrality of love in the life of Jesus' disciples and unity in the love of the Father and Son.

Love as Jesus demands it involves obedience to His word, which is the word of the Father. But the primary feature of the word is love—in other words the primary focus is not legislated but motivated. It is not that we do because we have--because some one tells us--but because we want to.

In the first reading the Apostles wrestled with this question. With a vastly growing number of Gentile converts was it necessary to first become Jews and observe all the Jewish protocols. This led them to ask was is the core reality—even for the Jew who has become Christian?

The passage portrays the importance of Judaism in the history of salvation, as the plan of God yet at the same time an extension of the possibility of salvation universally to all. By focusing on these central elements that can be expected of all, the Christian message can be proclaimed to all nations and all peoples who will accept it.

Notice the uncomplicated simplicity and clarity of their decision following prayer: We will do nothing to lay any burdens beyond that which is strictly necessary. Note also the boldness and comfort with which they announce their decision: For it is the decision of the Holy Spirit and ours too.

In the gospel, Jesus reminds us that He is not leaving us on our own, but will send the Holy Spirit to teach, remind, and empower us in discipleship. We hear again the words from the Easter gospel: Peace I give to you. Do not be troubled or afraid. Love one another.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church says that our highest goal in life, is life in the Spirit. This may sound idealistic, but it has been made possible by the death and resurrection of Jesus so that we can live as He lived.

To put it simply, Life in the Spirit, is the ability given to us by God to make present today the words and works which He made present in his day. Each day He sought out to know and to do His Father's will through the power of the Holy Spirit, through prayer. As it was for Jesus it can be for us if we allow the Spirit to direct our thoughts and actions. That is what Life in the Spirit means.

God invites us to experience this life and the key ingredient is experiential not intellectual knowledge. Reading a cook book or watching the food channel simply will not produce the meal on your table as much as you might wish it would.

Whether it's gourmet like Emmirl Lagasse, health food from Graham Kerr, practical outdoor grilling and chilling, or skillfully working out a plan with secret ingredients like the Iron Chef--Skill, timing, Imagination, Organization are all needed for the ultimate success. And this is also true of our Spiritual lives.

Prayer is the first priority. Constant prayer. Just as a real gourmet wakes up every day; or an Olympic athlete practices every day--knowing that inconsistency will make their skills less effective. So we sharpen our prayer skills by daily even hourly prayer.

When you awaken, ask for a filling of the Holy Spirit. Throughout the day pause for a moment of silence; especially if you have one of those watches or clocks that intones the hour. Use it as a silent reminder to unite with God for a few seconds.

At the end of the day keep a prayer journal or diary of your day's experience positive and negative and review it periodically What needs attention, what needs to be changed or discarded. It's a touch discipline to get into it but it becomes your most valuable cookbook.

Finally, avoid timidity. Share your spiritual recipes, your successes with certain people and your failures perhaps with others. None of us are perfect. We are all sinners. That is why Jesus came as reconciler and healer. That is why He sent the Holy Spirit as peace and forgiveness.

There are some who say; All this talk about prayer. Prayer doesn't change anything. That may be very true. prayer is not meant to be talked about. It has to be done.

Prayer is not meant to change things. It is meant to change people; and people change things.

Prayer changes our attitudes, our dispositions, and that permits our thoughts and our actions, our decisions and our emotions to flow from the experience of God.