Love, Joy, Peace, Unity, Harmony, and Encouragement, these are just some of the gifts of the Spirit and indicators of the presence of the Holy Spirit in the midst of those who call upon the name of Jesus… those who live and serve under the banner of Christ.
Last week I spoke about love, in particular, Jesus’ commandment that we should love one another just as he loves us. This involves loving those who we find difficult to like, those who are different to us and even those who wrong us in some way. This is not necessarily an easy task but such is Jesus love for us! In any community love can smooth away the negative impact of differences and divergence – allowing for acceptance, unity and harmony, within our diversity.
In this weeks gospel Jesus pushes the boundaries of faith of his disciples telling them that he will soon leave them, and that they cannot come with him. He unsettles them with this news, which, to them seems to make little sense despite the fact that Jesus has been trying to tell them in so many different ways. Now he promises them a gift … 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. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. This peace is not necessarily the freedom from wars or differences but a peace and calm at the very center of our being. Such peace holds the possibility of “joy” despite uncertainty such as that faced by the disciples who really had little understanding of what Jesus was on about. “If you loved me,” he said, “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.”
On Wednesday evening some of us spoke about the fact that we often forget to give encouragement to one another… seemingly taking the gifts of our brothers and sisters for granted. In my absence this weekend let me offer you all some words of encouragement.
The gift of “love” is strong in your midst! There is “harmony” and “unity” and a wonderful acceptance of differences and individuality. When I speak to others about “my” parish this is what I tell others… but perhaps I neglect to tell you. I see the power of the Holy Spirit in your midst and I pray that you might always know the peace and joy that Jesus has promised.
Love and Blessings
Reverend Shan