Thoughts for the Day

Jesus said, ‘They will put you out of the synagogues. Indeed, an hour is coming when those who kill you will think that by doing so they are offering worship to God. And they will do this because they have not known the Father or me. But I have said these things to you so that when their hour comes you may remember that I told you about them.

I did not say these things to you from the beginning, because I was with you. But now I am going to him who sent me; yet none of you asks me, “Where are you going?” But because I have said these things to you, sorrow has filled your hearts. Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you.'

(Church in Wales Lectionary, New Revised Standard Version)

Thoughts

Have you ever had to keep information away from children or others in the family, to stop them worrying, or because they wouldn't understand? We often do this with children, but we also do it for those with dementia. In the years before my husband died I kept a lot of things from him, knowing they would cause him great concern even if he immediately forgot them. After 8 years of care I had to give in. I couldn't physically lift him when he fell, or manoeuvre him around the bungalow when he wanted to go to the bathroom 28 times in the night. There was no point in telling him that Respite Care in the wonderful Nursing Home would be permanent.

In John's Gospel Jesus is giving his followers information about the future. Up till now he has kept them in ignorance of what is going to happen to himself and to them, they simply didn't need to know. Instead he concentrated on teaching and the disciples. But now he tells them baldly that it is essential he goes before them so that he can send the Advocate, that is the Holy Spirit who is the power of God, to them. The Holy Spirit will comfort them, and guide them in the future.

Spirit of God,
come to us when we need help.
Comfort us when we feel alone
or when we feel at a loss to know
how to cope with life.
Guide us in all things
and show us the way we should go.
Amen.