A READING FROM JOHN
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.”
MESSAGE IN A PARAGRAPH OR TWO
The commandments of Jesus are about love and disciple making. The Advocate is the Spirit of truth. Of course, the truth is Jesus himself who died for us, was raised, ascended, and now rules over Heaven and Earth. He loves us unconditionally and offers his abundant grace.
The gift of the Spirit means that we have never, nor will we ever be left alone. As the 23 Psalm testifies, through green pastures, along quiet waters, and even in the darkest times, the Spirit is with us and for us.