Pentecost (year B)- John 15:26-27

We can say many things about Pentecost and the Coming of the Holy Spirit. Indeed, people have said many things about the Holy Spirit already and will continue. Some say things that are full of insight; some say things that are ridiculous or even things that contradict Scripture. This year,  let us focus on two verses from the day's Gospel. In John 15: 26-27, Christ says, "But when the Helper comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth, who proceeds from the Father, he will bear witness about me. And you also will bear witness, because you have been with me from the beginning" (ESV).

These two verses teach us about the nature and work of the Holy Spirit and about the appropriate response of Christ's disciples. First, we see that the Holy Spirit comes from the Father, sent by the Son. The person and work of the Spirit must not be isolated from the Father and the Son. The work of the Triune God is unified. Secondly, we see that the Holy Spirit is the Helper (also translated as Advocate, Counselor, Comforter). He is the Spirit of divine truth. In general, He applies and enlivens the divine truth of the Scriptures, and in particular, He bears witness to the culminating divine revelation in Jesus Christ. For Christians, the work of the Holy Spirit must never be separated from Christ who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Thirdly, the work of the Holy Spirit among Christ's disciples has a purpose. It is intended to produce results. The initial results are repentance and faith in Christ, and then there are numerous other results or fruits in the Christian life, both in the lives of individuals and in the life of the Christian Church.  

In conclusion, the message of Pentecost continues. The Holy Spirit keeps coming to the Church through Word and Sacrament. The Spirit uses the means established by God to apply divine grace to human lives. He witnesses to Jesus Christ, He transforms unbelief into faith, and He empowers believers to witness to Christ in thought, word, and deed.

Easter 7 (year B)- Sunday after the Ascension- John 17:15-16

The Gospel for this Sunday is a selection from John 17 which has sometimes been called Jesus' high priestly prayer. Before His Passion, our Lord prays for His followers who will remain in this world when He departs. In particular, let us notice John 17:15-16, "I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil [one]. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world" (KJV). 

Christ's followers remain in this world as salt and light. They continue His ministry and spread His message. However, they face many challenges from the world, the flesh, and the devil, and they must remain distinct from the world. Our Lord expresses the same idea in John 15:19 when He states that His disciples are not of the world, and St. Paul reflects a similar view in Romans 12:2 when he exhorts Christians not to be conformed to this world. This prayer of Christ is also a teaching about how Christians should think and live. At times, it has been expressed in the popular saying that Christians should be "IN the world but not OF the world."

Obviously, such a Christian life is not easy, especially in times of worldly disorder and stress. It is difficult for human beings to keep a holy balance. Often, we succumb to worldly temptations in many areas of life, and sometimes, we overreact by forgetting our ministry and mission in this world. Nevertheless, a positive outcome is possible. Divine grace is available to guide and strengthen believers. Furthermore, our crucified, risen, and ascended Lord continues to pray for us. We remain spiritually united with Him in Word and Sacrament, and He helps us to resist being overcome by the world!

Easter 6 (year B) John 15:9-17

 The Gospel from John 15:9-17 contains several important themes, but this time, let us focus on the striking verse, John 15:16- "Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you." This verse stresses the divine plan and the call to faith and discipleship through Jesus Christ. 

Scripture repeatedly teaches that the redemptive initiative lies with God. The primary choice is with Him, not with human beings. He extends life-giving grace to call us, and He asks us to respond empowered by His strengthening grace. When we submit to His call and His grace, we begin to bear truly good fruit. Along with this process of justification and sanctification, Christians also pray in a new way. We pray in submission to and in accord with the divine will as Jesus does. While we have our preferred outcomes, we acknowledge that God knows best. When we pray in such a humble spirit, the Father gives us far greater blessings than we can imagine.