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kate huey
Posts:50
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| 04/21/2008 12:35 PM |
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| As Jesus' farewell speech to his bewildered and anxious disciples continues, he reassures them that he won't leave them "orphaned," which can describe either a student without a teacher, or a child without a parent. He promises to return, but even more, to live "in" them, and to send them an Advocate, the Holy Spirit, who will be with them (and us) forever. John is writing this pre-Easter story from the other side of Easter (and Pentecost). Like Moses and many others in the ancient world, this leader's teachings are being summarized and emphasized by a "farewell address." (Think of the entire book of Deuteronomy that way!) Isn't it interesting, and significant, that Jesus, when it comes right down to basics, talks again about love? We'll be recognized as his followers by our love for him - and for the world. Remember, the Gospel of John (chapter 3) tells us that God so loved the world... How do you read 14:15? "If" statements are always difficult to interpret, and this one is no different. Isn't it true that we can love Jesus, and yet fail so often to keep his commandments? |
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greenrebel55
Posts:70
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| 04/21/2008 12:59 PM |
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| I've always liked the Greek "if" in this text because it means "If you love me, and I know you do..." It has that shade of meaning to it that gives us the courage to love Jesus as well as the desire. And though you're right, Kate, that we love Jesus, but don't keep the commandment to love everybody and everything else as carefully as we might, Jesus' proclamation of Peace about covers, don't you think? |
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ProudDog
Posts:509
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| 04/21/2008 2:41 PM |
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| This week we continue what we began talking about last week as we experience the "farewell speech" of Jesus to the disciples. The focus this time is on Jesus promise of God's spirit to be an advocate or comforter. Be sure to look at Kate's weekly seeds ( Spirited Love ) and my blog entry ( In a jam ) and let's have a great conversation! |
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-Kirk Moore |
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kate huey
Posts:50
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| 04/24/2008 3:33 PM |
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I've been thinking about the word "extraordinary" to describe the kind of life we followers of Jesus are called to lead "this side" of Easter and Pentecost, knowing what we know.
As John tells it, the disciples huddled around Jesus that night (on the other side of Easter and Pentecost) were trying to figure out what he was talking about. After all, weren't they hoping for deliverance from the Roman Empire, freedom, maybe even a little glory?
But we know what "the hour" meant, about Jesus' death, and rising again, and the gift of the Holy Spirit so we would never be left alone to fend for ourselves.
That makes it thinkable, possible, for us to live "extraordinary" lives. Nothing seems ordinary again since Easter - life is a miracle unfolding before us, and we walk in hope. Do we see our lives that way? |
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kate huey
Posts:50
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| 04/24/2008 3:59 PM |
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| greenrebel, don't you think that lives lived in love would be considered "extraordinary"? It certainly does seem beyond our ordinary experience much of the time. There are many experiences of love, but a life lived in love seems "extra" ordinary to me. What do you all think? |
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greenrebel55
Posts:70
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| 04/24/2008 10:05 PM |
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| I'm thinking about the examples ProudDog put in his blog. That's "extra" ordinary love. But do we have the resilience to continue to love in that way again and again without slipping up? I don't think so. That's why I think that bald faced "Peace" is such an "extra" ordinary sign of love. It's all in the conjunctions. It's not, "You messed up, but I still love you." It's, "You messed up, and I still love you." |
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subear
Posts:770
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| 04/25/2008 11:09 AM |
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Kate asks: "There are many experiences of love, but a life lived in love seems "extra" ordinary to me. What do you all think?"
Maybe, . . . but it doesn't have to be. It is so much easier to love than it is to build walls and defenses against imaginary (and physical) "enemies." Love is our most natural, most essential state of being. [I know, I'm an idealist!] But just think about it. - - - Or don't think, feel. Bring your attention to the center of your being, you heart center, and just feel whatever is there. . . . for as long as it takes. Breathe into those feelings, and just feel. Let the tears flow down your face. And just feel. After you have felt all the hurt and pain of your lifetimes, all that is left is your essential LOVE. This is the LOVE you (I, we) can live your ordinary (extraordinary) lives in. Because THAT is who and what You are. PURE LOVE.
And. . . Yes, Green, I agree, we all mess up (again and again) AND we can still LOVE one another.
In Peace, Love and Transformation,
Susannah
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"We are not human beings having a spiritual experience. We are spiritual beings having a human experience." Pierre Teilhard de Chardin |
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