Want to read a good love story? Try today’s Gospel from John 14:21-26. The author is traditionally believed to be John the Apostle, the son of Zebedee. The message is truly an expression of God’s love for us, as Jesus described in his farewell to his disciples. They are told he is going away, but he will prepare a place for them. They don’t know what this means, where they will go, or what they will be doing.

The important statement from Jesus is that he and his Father are one; if the disciples know Jesus, they also know the Father. They are to continue the work he has begun and do even greater things. Jesus was one person in one place in time, and now, they will be spreading the Gospel throughout their known world. Confused, they wonder how they will be able to accomplish so much. Jesus assures them that because of his love for them, an advocate, a paraclete, will be sent to be with them as their teacher and guide in everything they do.

The apostles are told that whoever loves Jesus will be loved by the Father, and the Spirit will be sent to them. In consoling his apostles, Jesus is showing his great love for them. In comforting them in their dismay at his leaving, they are reassured of his love for all who have been with him. The Holy Spirit is the power and promise of the completion of all God’s work. We are connected to Jesus through the promised advocate. We can experience and know Jesus today because the Holy Spirit leads us where we need to go. When we truly love God and keep his commandments, we become his child. Then, all his promises are given to us.

How would you begin a love letter to God?

Let us pray:

May we never lose awareness of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Each day we are reminded of your steadfast love and faithfulness. We are called to love as Jesus loved, caring for each other and doing the good works our God expects of us. Our love for you is fulfilled when we keep your commandments. In our hearts we desire to please you so we can be called a child of God.