Scripture – John 14:15-21 NRSVUE
15 “If you love me, you will keep my commandments. 16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, to be with you forever. 17 This is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him because he abides with you, and he will be in you.18 “I will not leave you orphaned; I am coming to you. 19 In a little while the world will no longer see me, but you will see me; because I live, you also will live. 20 On that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you. 21 They who have my commandments and keep them are those who love me, and those who love me will be loved by my Father, and I will love them and reveal myself to them.”
From Rev. Heather Leffler
In life, in death, in life beyond death, we are not alone. We offer this phrase from our United Church New Creed to give comfort and hope. It is grounded in Jesus’ words to the disciples at the Last Supper.
God is not an indifferent deity who set creation into motion and sat back to watch what unfolded. The Holy One is not out there watching and waiting to judge or condemn us.
The One we call Father and Mother is lovingly engaged in our everyday lives. Throughout history, God sent angels, priests, judges, kings and prophets to invite people into loving relationship with God and one another. Then, in self-giving God came as a babe in the manger to live among us. In his life, Jesus fed the hungry, healed the sick, embraced the people on the margins and challenged unloving behaviour. As he prepared his disciples for his death, he reminded them – and reminds us – that he was God incarnate – fully human, love made flesh.
God was in Jesus. After his resurrection, Jesus sent the Spirit to guide, comfort and advocate for us. The Spirit is in us – praying through us when we can’t find the words, guiding us to make loving choices for ourselves and the people, creatures and creation around us. Through prayer and conversation with others, the Spirit helps us discern how to live in the world as bearers of God’s love. May it be so.
Contemplation and Conversation
How do you experience the Spirit’s presence?
Prayer
Holy Mystery, you are Wholly Love.
Thank you for the assurance that you are always with us.
Help us be guided by your Spirit in all we think, say and do. Amen.
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