6th Sunday of Easter

The sixth Sunday of Easter brings us to a passage from the Gospel of John, chapter 14 verses 15-21, where Jesus promises to send the Holy Spirit to be with his disciples. In this passage, Jesus emphasizes the importance of love, obedience, and faith in our relationship with him and with God.

Jesus begins by saying, "If you love me, you will keep my commandments." This statement is a reminder that our love for Jesus is not just an emotion or feeling, but an active commitment to follow his teachings and live our lives in accordance with his will. Our love for Jesus is demonstrated through our obedience to his commandments, which are rooted in love for God and love for one another.

Jesus goes on to promise that he will ask the Father to send the Holy Spirit to be with his disciples. The Holy Spirit is the source of our strength, comfort, and guidance, and is a reminder of God's constant presence in our lives. Through the Holy Spirit, we are empowered to love as Jesus loves, to live lives of service and selflessness, and to bear witness to the love of God in the world.

Jesus tells his disciples that the world will not see him, but that they will see him through the Holy Spirit. This is a powerful reminder that our faith is not just about personal experience, but about the ways in which we live out our faith in the world. Through our actions and our witness, we can reveal the love and presence of Jesus to those around us.

Finally, Jesus promises that he will not leave his disciples alone, but will come to them. This promise speaks to the deep intimacy of our relationship with Jesus, and the way in which he is always present to us, even when we may feel alone or lost.

As we reflect on this passage, there are several key themes that emerge:

Love: Our love for Jesus is demonstrated through our obedience to his commandments and our commitment to live our lives in accordance with his teachings.

The Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit is the source of our strength, comfort, and guidance, and is a reminder of God's constant presence in our lives.

Witness: Through our actions and our witness, we can reveal the love and presence of Jesus to those around us.

Intimacy: Our relationship with Jesus is one of deep intimacy, and he is always present to us, even in times of struggle or doubt.

As we continue on our journey of faith, may we be inspired by the promises of Jesus in this passage, and may we strive to live lives of love, obedience, and faithfulness. May we be filled with the Holy Spirit, and may we be empowered to bear witness to the love and presence of Jesus in the world.