The Advocate

27May
But now I am going to him who sent me; yet none of you asks me, “Where are you going?” But because I have said these things to you, sorrow has filled your hearts. Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you. And when he comes, he will prove the world wrong about sin and righteousness and judgement: about sin, because they do not believe in me; about righteousness, because I am going to the Father and you will see me no longer; about judgement, because the ruler of this world has been condemned.
-John 16:5-11


After being invited by Jesus to follow him, this rag tag group of individuals did just that. For three years they followed him and witnessed miracle after miracle. Both men and women who were yearning for something different in their lives, had an encounter with this traveling Rabbi, and that literally changed their lives. These followers didn’t always grasp what Jesus was teaching, and certainly must have been confused when he was arrested and put to death. But three days later their lives were again changed, when Jesus was raised from the dead and all was right with the world. It must have been such a relief to have him back in their midst despite their confusion and questioning. And then, he tells this group of men and women that once again it is time for him to leave. What? Why is it necessary for you to leave us again?!!! Jesus attempts to ease their concern by telling them it is supposed to happen this way. In other words, there is a plan for what seems like madness. “If I do not go away, the Advocate will not come to you”. These words are probably not much of a consolation, because it would be hard for anyone to grasp what it all meant. However, eventually they would understand that the Advocate was the Holy Spirit, who will inspire, lead, comfort, and assist them on their journey. That same spirit is there for us 2,000 years later. Inspiring, leading, comforting, and assisting us. In just over a week, the Easter season will come to a close with the great feast of Pentecost. 


Musical Reflection - Like the Murmur of the Dove's Song - St. Olaf Choir


Let us rejoice that the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, was given to the followers of Jesus 2,000 years ago, and still dwells with us today. Amen 

AscensionHoly SpiritGospel

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