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Introduction: No Longer Orphans: A Promise
Like a prism, the four Gospel portraits of Jesus refract the light of Christ in a manner that gives each a distinct coloration. John’s Gospel (which are the predominant readings during the six-week Easter Season) is like entering a new world. John presents a Jesus of great nobility, in total control, confident, powerful, majestic, and divine. His many “I am” statements throughout the Gospel say to the reader: “I am Jesus. I am. I am divine. I am one with my Father. I have no doubt who I am.” John’s Jesus inspires awe – and comfort.
This Sunday’s Gospel is a continuation of last week’s passage – a “throw-back” to Holy Thursday. Jesus is speaking to his disciples at the Last Supper and encouraging them – who will soon see Him crucified. Like a Last Testament, Jesus reassures them that even though He will leave them, He will not abandon them. Instead He will send the Advocate - the Holy Spirit – who will guide and protect them.
Have you ever felt abandoned? How did you handle these feelings?
Jesus uses the term, “Advocate,” to describe the Holy Spirit in a way that the disciples could initially grasp. It was a legal term – meaning “one who offers defense for another.” Basically, Jesus describes the “paraclete,” the “advocate,” like a defense lawyer, someone who stands by you in court and gives you support, advice, and comfort in difficult situations where you need help.
How would you describe the Holy Spirit today – using a contemporary experience or example?
This is precisely the role of the Spirit – to guide, support, comfort us on Christ’s Way.
Have you ever personally experienced the Spirit in a tough situation? Identify it.
Do you see the Spirit at work now in our world? Identify those places or events or people.
I would invite you to take time to read and ponder the words of this Sunday’s Gospel: John 14:15-21
What word or words caught your attention?
What in this passage comforted/challenges you?
Anything surprise you?
Further Reflections and Questions:
“I am in my Father and you are in me and I in you.” Is there anything more hopeful than that? We are never separated from God, even on those dark days when we believe (feel?) ourselves to be alone in this challenge called life. Jesus promises to send the “Advocate” to be with us. – and not leave us as orphans. That is a huge promise!
When we start to lose hope, it is often because we forget that amazing promise. We can convince ourselves that we are in charge and can handle it.
Identify a time when you honestly felt this way?
God dwells in our inner core and walks besides us every step of the way. And that is our reason for hope as Christ’s followers. What’s yours?
“Christ, who went all the way to death, is not easily deterred; and God is not taking leave simply because times are tough. If anything, God is leaning in. Nothing is too much for God to endure beside us. No matter how overwhelmed we feel, we are not alone. No longer orphans. Even if we are going through fire now, God will bring us out to a spacious place (Psalm 66:12).”
Liberating the Word, Sojourners –
A promise is everything. But the promise is only as good as the one who makes it!
Deacon David
Deacon David Suley
St. Andrew Apostle Catholic Church
Silver Spring, Maryland
Published with Permission
