In the gospel passage for this Sunday (John 14:15-21), Jesus tells us, “I will not leave you orphans.” In order to better understand this gospel passage today, I wanted to see what the dictionary had to say about the word “orphan.” Accordingly, the dictionary states that an orphan is someone who is without parents through death, loss or abandonment. It goes on to tell us that an orphan is someone without protective advocacy.
Contemplating these words I began to realize what a tremendous “promise” that Jesus is making to His disciples and to us. Telling us, though He is returning to the Father in heaven, He will not abandoned us or cause us to feel insecure or alone. In fact, He goes so far as to send His Advocate, the Holy Spirit to not only “be” with us but “dwell in us.”
As people of faith, this is an enormous blessing. Not only do we know Jesus and His works, but now His Holy Spirit dwells within us to give us all that we need to live as He did, work as He worked, serve as He served.
Aware of the Holy Spirit within us, let us bring before the Lord this week a greater desire to serve. I am certainly aware of the many demands on us, but coming together in the Eucharist, in prayer and reconciliation, at work, at play and with every opportunity we have, can only help us to grow in holiness and faith as those who are “family” in our God.
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