If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, to be with you forever.” vss. 15-16
John 14:15-17
Sometimes it can seem as though the world could care less about love, at least the brand of love that was at the core of Jesus’ ministry and that he commanded his followers to practice. Instead we are served up a steady diet of lies, deceit, and self-serving manipulation. People push their own agendas and imagine that accumulation is humanity’s highest good. Everything is focused on the individual, and little attention is paid to sacrificial service. In that kind of environment it’s easy to feel isolated and lonely, and we may even wonder if there are any who share our values. Such is the life of a disciple, and Jesus takes pains to let them know that he values their commitment to love. It’s what identified them as one of his followers. And then he assures them that they will never be alone, that he will send them the Advocate or Comforter, who is the very presence of Jesus himself. This is Holy Spirit talk, and it does make a difference for us too. We aren’t alone in this world. There are others who share our commitment to unconditional love, and in the context of this great company of believers Jesus has returned as the Holy Spirit to be our guide and comforter. And we are making a difference!
Thought for the Day: What’s the connection between Jesus and the Holy Spirit?
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