Many themes strike me in today’s readings. The words of peace and justice stand out. This being the celebration of the United States' founding, the readings are timely. In Isaiah, justice, peace, calm and security become a result of the spirit pouring out from on high. The Gospel, for me, bridges the New Testament to the Old, and the necessity of the Advocate. Jesus promised us the Holy Spirit will always be with us.

For me, the conundrum is whether I am open to the Holy Spirit and his message. My path lately seems to be progressing well in my spiritual walk. I’m not fighting but listening. As result, opportunities for growth have been laid before me. As I listen for the Advocate, the results have been peace and as James writes in his letter: "wisdom from above is first of all pure, then peaceable, gentle, compliant, full of mercy and good fruits, without inconstancy or insincerity.” The seeds planted along the years have been bearing fruit as long as I am willing to listen.