On this Sixth Sunday of Easter, the Sunday before Ascension Day, the Gospel from John 14:15-21 brings up a number of important theological topics. It looks forward to the coming of the Holy Spirit among the disciples in a great new way after Jesus' departure. This new outpouring of the Spirit will continue Christ's work among His followers. It will empower them to continue living as His disciples.
This passage from John 14 also points to the enduring dynamic of salvation. Human beings do not begin the process by their own efforts; God's love and grace are the beginning. God reaches out in love and grace while we are still sinners estranged from Him. The loving and merciful God calls us to have faith, and He offers us the grace that we need to respond to Him. By grace and the working of the Word and the Holy Spirit, He creates faith in our hearts and minds. And when we stop resisting His justifying grace, He offers us further grace, sanctifying grace. Through His gracious assistance, He allows us to bear fruit the fruits befitting love and obedience.
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