Tuesday, April 17, 2012 — Week of Easter 2
Readings for the Daily Office (Book of Common Prayer, p. 959)
Psalms 5, 6 (morning) // 10, 11 (evening)
Exodus 15:1-21
1 Peter 1:13-25
John 14:18-31
[Go to http://www.missionstclare.com/english/index.html for an online version of the Daily Office including today’s scripture readings.]
Today’s discourse from John’s gospel offers comforting words. John has set these words within the action of Jesus’ servant-act of washing the feet of the disciples as the first of three discourses (John 13-14, 15-16:4, and 16:4-33)
Sometimes it is renewing to listen to these words as though spoken to us.
“I will not leave you orphaned; I am coming to you…; because I live, you also will live. On that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you. …Those who love me will keep my word, and my Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them…
“But the Advocate (Helper), 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…”
Sometimes it seems that the message is so simple. “I love you and I am with you. Do not be afraid. Live in peace, and act in love.”