10/05/2026
READ | John 14:15-21
6th Sunday of Easter
Gospel Reflection by Sem. John Ren Baranda
In our local parish, there is a revered image named Nuestra Señora de los Desamparados, or Our Lady of the Abandoned, and I belong to a group of people with a strong devotion to her. She is the patroness of all those who have been forsaken, the patroness of our municipality in Albay, and the anchor for the many priests whose vocations are lovingly and deeply rooted in our town.
As I read the gospel I feel a deep connection with Nuestra Señora de los Desamparados in accordance with the words Jesus promises that He will never leave us as orphans and that an Advocate will be sent to guide us, provided we keep His commandments and observe them as a way of showing our love for Him. As I journey through life, I often feel like an orphan because I sometimes feel as though I have been left alone to wander in this world. This feeling becomes especially heavy when I believe I have no one to lean on but myself. Yet, upon reflecting on the Gospel, I realize that I am not truly alone. I have an Advocate in the Blessed Virgin Mary, carrying the Child Jesus, both of whom reveal the Spirit of truth.
Perhaps I failed to see or recognize this because I was too preoccupied with disobeying His commandments and, in turn, hurting others, causing them to experience the very isolation of an orphan. Jesus has truly given me an Advocate to guide me through the Virgin Mary, Nuestra Señora de los Desamparados, often revealing her presence through the people who continually support and guide me.
I am amazed that despite my disobedience, Jesus does not abandon me or leave me to wander alone. He continues to call me, trust in me, and believe in me even when I fall short or betray His love. Instead of turning away, He chooses to give me an Advocate to stand by my side and lead me back to what is right. This reminds me that I am never truly an orphan, because even at my lowest, that Advocate continues to guide me—proving that He still loves me and will never let me go.
