This Sunday is the Sixth Sunday of Easter. The gospel reflection will be on John 14:23-29. Jesus defines those who love him as those who keep his words. He also teaches that the Holy Spirit (the Advocate) will come down and remind us of everything he taught.
Gospel Text
“Jesus said to his disciples: “Whoever loves me will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our dwelling with him. Whoever does not love me does not keep my words; yet the word you hear is not mine but that of the Father who sent me.”
“I have told you this while I am with you. The Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything and remind you of all that I told you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid. You heard me tell you, ‘I am going away and I will come back to you.’ If you loved me, you would rejoice that I am going to the Father; for the Father is greater than I. And now I have told you this before it happens, so that when it happens you may believe.”
Gospel Reflection
Jesus teaches us that we show our love for him by keeping his words. Those who do not keep his word do not love Jesus. If you love Jesus, the Father will also love you, as Jesus’ words come from the Father. Jesus said these words to the disciples when he was with them, but he also tells us that God will send down an “Advocate” to “teach you everything and remind you of all I have told you.”
This “advocate” is the Holy Spirit, who is always with us, guiding, teaching, and praying for us. In a busy world, we are constantly distracted and do not always hear God’s voice. We must put aside time to sit quietly, pray, and “listen” for God’s voice. I use the word “listen”, but God speaks to us in many ways:
- A voice we hear
- A thought that comes into our head
- A feeling that we have about a person or situation
- A dream we have
- Through the actions of other people
Our prayer time is the most important part of our day. Our connection with God will refresh and restore us, but we must be open to where the Holy Spirit wants to lead us. Have you ever experienced a situation where your prayer wasn’t answered the way you wanted, but you ended up in the right place? Spending time with God, listening to his voice in prayer, and in your everyday life may guide you to where you were meant to be.
Please let me know your thoughts about this article in the “Comments” section.
Peace
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