“Whoever loves me
will keep my word,
and my Father
will love him,
and we will come to him
and make our dwelling
with him."
(John 14:23)
By love we walk, by faith we see,
A Savior’s word, so bold, so free.
Who keeps His ways, in Him abides,
Held in grace where hope resides.
The Father's love, so vast, so true,
Reveals the Son in all we do.
And in our hearts He makes His place,
A dwelling filled with boundless grace.
The Spirit comes, a holy light,
To teach, to guide both day and night.
Reminding hearts of words once spoken,
A covenant never to be broken.
So walk in love, embrace His call,
For in His arms we’ll never fall.
The Advocate forever near,
Our help, our strength, our whisper clear.
Lord Jesus,
You have called us to love You, not only in word but in obedience. Teach us to walk in Your ways, to hold fast to Your commandments, so that we may dwell in Your love.
You have promised that those who love You will be loved by the Father, and You will reveal Yourself to them. Open our hearts, Lord, so that we may truly see and know You, deep within our souls.
Send forth Your Holy Spirit, the Advocate and divine Teacher, to guide us in truth, to remind us of Your words, and to strengthen us in faith.
Let us never be swayed by the world but remain firm in the love that You give. May Your presence dwell within us, and may we reflect Your love in every act, every word, and every thought.
Amen.
Pericope:
III: The Book of Glory
THE ADVOCATE
John 14:15-31
Gospel Acclamation
The Holy Spirit will teach you everything and remind you of all I told you.
Gospel | John 14:21-26
21 Jesus said to his disciples: “Whoever has my commandments and observes them is the one who loves me. And whoever loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and reveal myself to him.” 22 Judas, not the Iscariot, said to him, “Master, then what happened that you will reveal yourself to us and not to the world?” 23 Jesus answered and said to him, “Whoever loves me will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our dwelling with him. 24 Whoever does not love me does not keep my words; yet the word you hear is not mine but that of the Father who sent me. 25 I have told you this while I am with you. 26 The Advocate, the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send in my name—he will teach you everything and remind you of all that I told you.”
John 14:21-26 is part of Jesus' farewell discourse, a deeply personal and theological conversation He had with His disciples before His crucifixion. This passage emphasizes love, obedience, and the promise of the Holy Spirit.
Historical Context
- Setting: This conversation takes place during the Last Supper, where Jesus prepares His disciples for His departure.
- Audience: Jesus is speaking to His closest followers, reassuring them that although He will leave physically, He will remain with them spiritually.
- Cultural Background: In Jewish tradition, a teacher’s departure often meant uncertainty for disciples. Jesus counters this by promising the Holy Spirit, who will guide them.
Key Themes
- Love and Obedience: Jesus links love for Him with obedience to His commandments.
- Revelation of Christ: He promises that those who love Him will experience a deeper revelation of His presence.
- The Role of the Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit, referred to as the Advocate, will teach and remind the disciples of Jesus’ teachings.
Key Lessons
- Love Expressed Through Obedience: Jesus teaches that true love for Him is demonstrated by keeping His commandments. This challenges believers to align their actions with their faith, making obedience a reflection of love rather than mere duty.
- The Promise of Divine Presence: Jesus assures that those who love Him will experience a deeper revelation of His presence. This means that faith is not just about belief but about an ongoing relationship with Christ.
- The Role of the Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit, referred to as the Advocate, is sent to teach and remind believers of Jesus’ teachings. This highlights the importance of spiritual guidance and continuous learning in faith.
- Faith Beyond Words: Christianity is not just about intellectual belief or moral conduct but about a personal relationship with Christ. This passage encourages believers to seek intimacy with God through obedience and love.
Reflection Source:
Conversation with Copilot
