The gospel today took some “unpacking” for me – recognizing the relationships not only between the Holy Trinity of Jesus, God and the Holy Spirit but also with us.  Jesus is letting His disciples know that while He will be leaving them, they are not alone.  As I read today’s gospel, I tried to imagine what it was like for these disciples - walking with Jesus for years, experiencing his suffering, crucifixion, and resurrection; talking with Him these last few weeks and trying to grasp what it all means. Now, He is preparing them for His departure and leaving them alone.  Yet, He assures there is more – the Spirit of Truth will be with them. 

For me, I need to constantly be reminded that I am not alone.  I do have a loving family and great friends who fill my heart.  However, it only takes a few minutes of reading the newspaper or viewing the news on the television to be overwhelmed by the hate and violence permeating our world!  I hear people wonder how God can let this happen – He’s turned his back on us.  God gave us free will and choice.  Violence has been around since Genesis – greed, jealous and vanity are still alive and thriving.  I’ll never forget the line in a movie spoken by “the Devil” with sneering laughter as he exclaims, Vanity is my favorite sin. It sometimes feels that we are the ones that have turned away from God like Sodom and Gomorrah did. 

I’ve been reading the novels in the Kingsbridge series that began with the dream of building a wonderous Cathedral in the early middle-ages.  There were always good and honorable people with true aspirations for Heaven wanting to do the right thing.  Likewise, there were the greedy pompous ones climbing over one another and the less fortunate like stepping stones to reach their goals of wealth and status. Hypocrisy thrived right along side piety and devotion. The Protestant Kings (and Queens) killed the Catholics while the Catholic Kings (and Queens) killed the Protestants – all in the name of God (with maybe a few other ulterior motives).  The fact remains that disregard for others has a long history along with turning away from God.

It is so important to me for both my mental and spiritual well-being to remember the message of this gospel – we are NOT alone. This time on this earth is just a speck.  There is so much more!  Just as the Holy Spirit was there to support the disciples, it is there for each of us as we navigate this crazy world with our freedom of choice.  As I lean into the Holy Spirit and allow myself to feel it and continue to pray and praise God, it provides comfort in my fears of the surrounding instability. Further, it enables me to maintain a focus on what is most important.  For sure it is not the collection of things, wealth, or accolades.  Rather staying open to the Holy Spirit, praying, and being aware of the miracles and wonders that God gives us everyday will focus me where I need to me and rescue me from being overwhelmed on a daily level.

Rescue – Lauren Daigle