Thoughts for the Day

‘If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, to be with you for ever. 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.

‘I will not leave you orphaned; I am coming to you. In a little while the world will no longer see me, but you will see me; because I live, you also will live. On that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you. 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.’

(Lectionary, New Revised Standard Version)

Thoughts

We have already looked at the Holy Spirit as our intercessor/advocate, last week, so let us explore what it means to have the Holy Spirit - the power of God - with us.

Years ago we had someone who was training for ministry stay with us on placement from Theological College. She was a wonderful minister and went on to be one of the first women to be priested. The life in the vicarage was always busy, with my husband and myself both at work, and our two young sons coming and going. I remember my colleague being a little 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 lives alone, 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 with whom 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 it is to know that we are still so loved even as we try to follow His words once more!

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,
even as we try to obey Your words.
Amen.