Thoughts for the Day

Jesus said, 'They who have my commandments and keep them are those who love me; and those who love me will be loved by my Father, and I will love them and reveal myself to them.’ Judas (not Iscariot) said to him, ‘Lord, how is it that you will reveal yourself to us, and not to the world?’ Jesus answered him, ‘Those who love me will keep my word, and my Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them. Whoever does not love me does not keep my words; and the word that you hear is not mine, but is from the Father who sent me.

‘I have said these things to you while I am still with you. But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything, and remind you of all that I have said to you.'

(Church in Wales Lectionary, New Revised Standard Version)

Thoughts

Years ago we had someone who was training for ministry stay with us on placement from Theological College. They were a wonderful minister and went on to be priested. The life in the vicarage was always busy with my husband Adrian and myself both at work, and our two young sons coming and going. I remember my colleague being very put out one day because she had put a book down and it had been moved. It struck me as an odd comment, but it made me realise that when someone lived alone as she had done for a number of years, if a book was put down it wouldn't move! However in a busy house with children it could be anywhere after a few days!

When we live with others we have to learn to give and take, to find the last apple gone, or the programme you wanted to watch on television has been deleted! But equally we are never lonely. There is someone to love or console us; there is always a person to talk to; and someone to share the highs and lows of the day.

Jesus tells his disciples that he and the Father and the Holy Spirit will make their home with us when we love him and when we try to keep his instructions. Sometimes we make mistakes and let Jesus down, and things are not perfect, but what bliss is this to know that we are so loved when we try to follow his words!

Lord Jesus Christ,
You promised Your disciples
that You and the Father would
make Your home with them,
and that the Holy Spirit
would remind them of what
He had taught them.
May we too claim this promise
and welcome You into our life
so that You can make Your home with us.
Amen.