Seeker

During the Covid-19 pandemic many are isolated. Some are not alone but feel alone. We've become more aware of our human interdependence. We need each other and need the reassurance that there is always someone who can be alongside to help. The fear of being abandoned lies deep in us all. Jesus saw that fear in his friends as they struggled with the idea that Jesus was leaving them. The gospel reading for today the 6th Sunday of Easter, John 14: 15 - 21, takes us back to the night before Jesus died. The disciples’ world was falling apart. What started as a celebration meal became something disturbing. Judas had gone to betray Jesus. Jesus had warned Peter he would deny him. Jesus kept speaking of death and departing. Into that fearful atmosphere Jesus promised, “I will not leave you orphaned” and then promised, “I will come to you”. They wouldn’t be alone. I once saw a documentary showing a bear with 2 new-born cubs. One cub died soon after birth. 3 weeks later the mother died....

This grave was among the thousands of World War 1 graves we saw in Flanders recently. It is in the Brandhoek New Military Cemetery and is the grave of a young medical doctor, Captain Noel Godfrey Chavasse (1884 - 1917) .  Noel Chavasse was awarded the Victoria Cross (twice) because of his bravery going out into 'no man’s land' under heavy fire to come alongside injured men. He saved many lives, eventually dying of his own wounds. This weekend I've been thinking about him and others like him - people who come alongside others to help the vulnerable. These thoughts have been triggered by the gospel reading for today John 14: 15 - 21 . Jesus' promised his friends that they would not be abandoned, not left alone and vulnerable. The time was coming when they would see Jesus no more, but they would be given the Holy Spirit, 'another Advocate', to be with them for ever. The Greek word 'parakletos' used in this passage  doesn't have any Englis...