Dear Friends,

In our gospel reading for this Sunday, we find Jesus sitting at the dinner table with his friends on his last night with them, in the middle of what scholars call “the last discourse,” in which he tells them what they really need to know before he leaves them. Sensing that they aren’t all too keen on the idea of his departure, especially after all the strength and courage, guidance and care, community and love they had received through their time together, Jesus assures them that he will not leave them “orphaned.” Or, as in the King James Version, “comfortless.”

I expect it goes without saying that none of us wants to be 'orphaned’ or ‘comfortless.' No one looks to be vulnerable, in need of protection, or in particular, as was in the case of the disciples to whom Jesus first spoke these words, without the presence of their beloved teacher and leader, guide and friend. In fact, Jesus knew this even before the disciples did as he speaks to them in today's reading. He knew that they and we would need more than the memory of who he was to carry us forward. He knew that we, too, would need a sense of his abiding, presence - an Advocate, a Protector, a Teacher, a Guide.

Some call this the Holy Spirit. The Greek word is “Paraclete”, literally, “the one who is called alongside.”

It's hard, I know, to acknowledge our need for this. We don't want to be reminded that perhaps we are all, still, very much like a small child in need of someone to walk alongside us on our way to school. And yet, as I allow myself to recognize that truth in me, I am able, without judgment and with deeper sensitivity, to see that need in others, too. I am grateful for all the times in my life that I really have sensed Jesus' promise of protection and companionship and know beyond reason or explanation that his presence is right alongside me. More often though, I have to say, I recognize this remarkable gift of God in the active presence of others--who are living in kindness and compassion. And I am reminded then that I am called to be and do the same--that perhaps the promised advocate, protector, and guide might just show up in and through me, too.

As we move into these final weeks of Easter, I invite you to consider where in your life you most need this presence. When, where, and through whom have you discovered it in the past? How often do you notice this presence making itself known through your own presence to someone else? Open your heart to the One who is called, and who calls us, alongside.

In Christ,

Amelie+