Abiding in God in Perilous times

Last week’s gospel reading (John 14:1-14) invited us to live the way of Jesus – the way of compassion, generosity, justice and love. Or as one of the commentators puts it “The Way of Jesus is the embodiment of the dream and hope of God….We must be people of the way, being the dream and hope of God, as we participate in abundant life while here on earth together”[1] As we live the way of Jesus we will come to know the truth of God and God’s commitment or covenant to restore humanity and renew all creation. In this we are to find the life of God.

This week we continue to read from John 14 as Jesus continues to be the good shepherd for his fearful and grieving disciples as their dreams come to an end. But it is not the end. Jesus has walked beside them, teaching them about God in the way he lived and how he saw and treated people. He is now sending another to accompany them, another advocate, The Spirit, to walk alongside and within each of them that Jesus’ way might continue, and the dream and hope of God be fulfilled.

We need to hear those words today. For us at St Georges and as an Anglican church the future is uncertain. There are no easy answers. We need to know that the Spirit of God abides in us and accompanies us as we seek to life the Way of Jesus today. And as those disciples today we are invited be advocates for others – walking alongside them in the same way Jesus showed as he began this talk – by washing feet as one who serves – and giving the commandment to love. And as we do that may we see the divine Spirit already abiding in them.

How do we experience the Spirit accompanying us in our doubts and fears. 
Who do we walk alongside and are we open to discover God’s life already present? 
Finally, who walks alongside us allowing us to live the way?

[1] (https://www.workingpreacher.org/commentaries/revised-common-lectionary/fifth-sunday-of-easter/commentary-on-john-141-14-6)

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