The Introduction
No lover is fooled by the words of love that are not supported by actions. Love is in the evidence. Flowers and poems are good, but holding a feverish child is better. A candlelight dinner or an anniversary present helps, but what’s worth more is constancy, fidelity, presence.
Jesus says knowing the commandments is not enough: lovers of God will be known by their observance of a faithful life. We can’t fool divinity by ritual acts and pious looks. The One who sees into human hearts knows if our love is lip service or real passion.
How do you show your love to those whom you love? Make your love of God real in three real ways this week. Love of neighbour, show unnecessary kindness, bring compassion where there is accusation, remember the poor.
The Scripture (John 14:16)
Jesus said, ‘I will ask the One who sent me to give you another Paraclete, another Helper to be with you always’.
The Story – O Say Can You See
Ellie signed to teach a year in Bolivia. She enjoyed the work, the country, and the people – especially one young man, Oscar, who was intelligent, good-hearted, and handsome. That year, she and Oscar fell in love. Eventually, he came to Australia, and they got married at her parish church in Brisbane. Oscar had left an important job in Bolivia, but his hard-earned credentials didn’t transfer to Australia. His grasp of English was rather shaky.
The only job he could find was working as a banquet waiter at a local pub. Guests called him ‘Boy,’ whistled or clapped at him to get his attention, and felt free to boss him around. But mostly they ignored him; they didn’t see him at all.
He would come home from work sullen, and Ellie felt excruciating pain that this proud man was being treated as nothing. The world did not see Oscar, but Ellie saw him. This week, Jesus tells the apostles, ‘In a little while the world will no longer see me, but you will see me’. The world could pass Jesus by on the street and ignore him. They could whistle to get his attention and call him ‘Boy’ because he doesn’t live in them or they in him.
They could do that easily – after all, each day they do it to the least of his sisters and brothers.
The Commissioning
Go from here as cherished members of Christ’s family.
We hear Christ’s teachings thankfully and share them thoughtfully.
We rejoice in all we have received and in all we can give.
We are ready to listen attentively and affirm wholeheartedly.
We are prepared to act faithfully and wait patiently.
We will learn from the questions of the youngest and from the struggles of the older ones.
God’s love, expressed in Jesus Christ, will strengthen you.
A love there for us, in time and beyond time. We go in peace. Amen.
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