May 17th Reflection by Bill Lynch

John 14:8–17, 25–27

Philip said to him, “Lord, show us the Father, and we will be satisfied.” Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you all this time, Philip, and you still do not know me? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on my own; but the Father who dwells in me does his works. Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; but if you do not, then believe me because of the works themselves.

Very truly, I tell you, the one who believes in me will also do the works that I do and, in fact, will do greater works than these, because I am going to the Father. I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If in my name you ask me for anything, I will do it.

”If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, to be with you forever. This is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, because he abides with you, and he will be in you.

”I have said these things to you while I am 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 that I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.

Reflection
Jesus tells us something clearly and plainly. The Father is revealed in him. No longer is God hidden behind a curtain or in a cloud by day or a pillar of fire by night or on a mountain or in a light. God is revealed and made obvious to us through Jesus Christ. Jesus, human flesh that can be seen, heard, smelled, touched; is God! It's as clear and plain as could be.

But, boy do the words seem to go around and around when Jesus explains this! OK  Jesus, I know I'm dense in understanding. I also know that I can't come to you and believe in you from my own strength or understanding. And yes, here comes my catechism learning, I now believe that because of this, the Holy Spirit calls me through the Gospel and enlightens me with his gifts and sanctifies me and keeps me in true faith. (Luther's Small Catechism explanation to the Third Article of the Apostles Creed).

From this thinking comes the Church. The real Church. The BIG Church with a big C. God's Church, not just one congregation someplace, not just one denomination, not the Roman Catholic church, but the Church of God, the universal Church. This is a Church united with Jesus Christ. Sure, we like to think all of our churches are this way. But really each is only this way in part. But together with so many other churches that are united in Jesus comes the Christian church, through which the Holy Spirit exists, forgiving the sins of all believers. The Church is so much bigger than we think. The whole Christian church of which on the last day Jesus will raise the dead and give eternal life to all believers IN Christ.

So here we are again. With this word IN. Jesus is IN the Father, the Father is IN Jesus, and guess what? We are IN Jesus and Jesus is IN us. So, while were at it, let's throw IN the Holy Spirit just for good measure! I wonder if Jesus was thinking, "Do you get it now?"

But, I'm a slow learner. I try to get it, but it's beyond me. Why? God shows me a love so far out, that I can't get it. I can't understand a love like this. But, I see it! I believe it! So, I accept this love of God IN Christ Jesus. I accept it and run with it even if I don't understand it. So, Jesus gives me and you and the Church, the Holy Spirit to lead and guide us. The Holy Spirit to give us spiritual gifts to use in the everlasting Kingdom of God. Gifts and faith that combines INto the Church IN the Father, IN the Son, and IN the Holy Spirit and IN the Church and IN you and IN me. Wow! How great thou art!

No, I still don't get it. But I'm glad to accept it! Thanks be to God!

Prayer
Father, thanks for your son Jesus. Thanks for filling your Church full to the fullest and overflowing into the world with the Holy Spirit. Thanks for the depth of the Love only you could give. Use me this day so that your Spirit may overflow in me and spread the wondrous Love you have given through Jesus to all those you give to me... today... tomorrow... and forever. --- Amen