Sixth Sunday of Easter
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Scripture |
John 14:23-29 23 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. 24 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. 25“I have said these things to you while I am still with you. 26 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. 27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid. 28 You heard me say to you, ‘I am going away, and I am coming to you.’ If you loved me, you would rejoice that I am going to the Father, because the Father is greater than I. 29 And now I have told you this before it occurs, so that when it does occur, you may believe. |
Devotional |
John 14 is about preparation for discipleship. Jesus prepares the community for his departure that will take place soon. The Holy Spirit will be present to remind them of all that Jesus has said. Are you one of those who are afraid the first time you attempt a task? Regardless of how much practice, I am fearful and nervous on the first attempt. Jesus instructs the first disciples and likewise instructs us. Looking at the early church. We find the examples for learning about discipleship. Practicing our faith is a process of discovering how the presence of God is made to us. Practicing Our Faith: The Practice of Shaping Communities ask these questions: In what ways does your faith community reflect the alternative community of the early church? In whose hands does effective power reside? What kind is it? How is it used, and to what ends? Who benefits and who pays? Who frames the issues and directs the kind of attention they get? How does information flow? 1 Does this sound like the advice Jesus gives to the disciples? We are not alone. The Christian community receives guidance from the Father, Son, and Spirit. Our human tendencies would lead us to attempt to make something happen in our spiritual life. Christian practices create an opening in our lives for the presence of God. Practicing Our Faith says: At best, leaders are choreographers to help people identify the challenges they face and untangle the issues. What leaders do you know who are able to clarify the purpose, values and goals of a group? 2 Christians believe that we are not alone even when our hearts are troubled and we are afraid. Discernment is the process Jesus gives us for receiving direction during these times of uncertainty. How is God at work in my present situation? How does God intend for me to be part of this process? The aim of discernment is to assist us in finding our place in God’s work. God’s work and Jesus’ are the same and this is the work we are called to continue as disciples. Jesus does not leave us alone in this work. We are not alone God is with us 1 www.practicing ourfaith.org/prct_shaping.html |