Speak Lord: Giver of gifts

Jesus said to his disciples:

‘If anyone loves me he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we shall come to him and make our home with him. Those who do not love me do not keep my words. And my word is not my own: it is the word of the one who sent me.

‘I have said these things to you while still with you; but the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything and remind you of all I have said to you.

‘Peace I bequeath to you, my own peace I give you, a peace the world cannot give, this is my gift to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid.

‘You heard me say: I am going away, and shall return. If you loved me you would have been glad to know that I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I.

‘ I have told you this now before it happens, so that when it does happen you may believe.’

Gospel for 6th Sunday of Easter
John 14:23-29

The loving Master seeks to equip his disciples, his friends, for what awaits them. Precious gifts: peace, wisdom,courage – gifts of the Lord, gifts of the Spirit.

So often we seek to rely only on our own strength. Important to learn to make good use of the gifts of the Lord also.

• What helps you admit your need for help?
• Why might you sometimes deny it?

Art work, Monastic church of Saint-Emilion, Saint Emilion, France. Photo (c) 2018, Allen Morris.

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