Pentecost (year B)- John 14:16-17

 At Pentecost, we focus on the person and work of God the Holy Spirit. Unfortunately, throughout Christian history, this emphasis has been associated with some extreme statements and approaches. So Christians must always be on guard. We do not want to neglect the Holy Spirit, but neither do we wish to be carried to dangerous extremes. The best way to maintain a sound perspective on the Holy Spirit is to focus on the teachings of Jesus Christ about the Holy Spirit. In today's gospel from John 14:16-17, Jesus says, "And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you." (ESV)

In these words of our Lord, we are reminded of the origins of the Spirit's work among believers. The Holy Spirit comes among Christ's followers as a gift from God the Father at the intercession of Jesus Christ. Although Scripture speaks of many functions and gifts of the Spirit, here our Lord stresses two chief characteristics. The Holy Spirit is our Helper who strengthens us, and He is our guide in appreciating and applying divine truth that has already been revealed, especially the revelation in Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit must be distinguished from the spirits of the surrounding world. For the Holy Spirit who comes from the Father and the Son reflects their holy nature with us and in us. The work of the Holy Spirit is inseparable from the truth of the divine Word.

Sunday after Ascension Day (year B)- John 17

The Gospel for this Sunday is a selection from John 17 which has sometimes been called Jesus' high priestly prayer. Before His Passion, our Lord prays for His followers who will remain in this world when He departs. In particular, let us notice John 17:15-16, "I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil [one]. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world" (KJV). 

Christ's followers remain in this world as salt and light. They continue His ministry and spread His message. However, they face many challenges from the world, the flesh, and the devil, and they must remain distinct from the world. Our Lord expresses the same idea in John 15:19 when He states that His disciples are not of the world, and St. Paul reflects a similar view in Romans 12:2 when he exhorts Christians not to be conformed to this world. This prayer of Christ is also a teaching about how Christians should think and live. At times, it has been expressed in the popular saying that Christians should be "IN the world but not OF the world."

Obviously, such a Christian life is not easy, especially in times of worldly disorder and stress. It is difficult for human beings to keep a holy balance. Often, we succumb to worldly temptations in many areas of life, and sometimes, we overreact by forgetting our ministry and mission in this world. Nevertheless, a positive outcome is possible. Divine grace is available to guide and strengthen believers. Furthermore, our crucified, risen, and ascended Lord continues to pray for us. We remain spiritually united with Him in Word and Sacrament, and He helps us to resist being overcome by the world!