May 13th 2012

Each one of us, I hope has experienced special epiphanies, wonderful moments when we feel someone’s outgoing love to us. It may be when a small grandchild comes running to us, arms outstretched, face alight with joy. I can remember my mother and her mother greeting one another after being parted for several years. So much love, it is the essence of joy in our lives. Some have no doubt received more such moments than others but it all comes from the same source. They are outward visible signs of his grace, his love in us.

Today’s sentence (BAS 341) comes from that deep and powerful passage John 14: 23 and following. Jesus knows he is having his last supper with his loved disciples and is pouring out his last words answering their puzzled questions.

Let us look at one or two highlights we may use to meditate on these verses by ourselves:

First there is the promise – the promise of the Holy Spirit – what will the Holy Spirit do – it will teach us. Not only tat but remind us of things we have forgotten – that is indeed a blessing.

Then is another gift - that gift is peace but it comes with a proviso – “I do not give as the world gives”. Is that a letdown? Is there a catch? No, we are not to be troubled or afraid – his gifts are perfect gifts.

Then there is the foretelling. He shared a little of little of what will happen to him and finally the reason for all this -  love.

Above all, that the world may see and try to understand the length and breadth of his supreme love for the father and the father for him. In total surrender he gave his life for us because he loved the father and did his will. Ponder on these things.