For Sunday, May 24, 2015 – John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15
We say we want the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. But sometimes the truth is not easy to hear. Jesus speaks to his friends from the depths of his own truth, telling them he soon will depart, leaving them under the care and teaching of an Advocate. They must have wondered what he meant, who or what would be this so-called advocate sent to “testify on his behalf.” How could an unknown entity replace their dear friend and brother? Instead of anticipation, they feel confusion; sorrow fills their hearts.
I titled last Sunday’s reflection “Everything, Given From God,” referring to Jesus’ prayer thanking God for the gifts of his life, including these fearful yet fearless friends. Even with all that ended up happening, all that one could say went horribly off track for Jesus—betrayal, wrongful arrest, torture, a violent death—he was able to see his life, with all that was being given, as blessing. This is not to say that betrayal and death and violence come from God, as though the One whose very being is love could pre-ordain savagery or catastrophic loss. But within the embrace of eternal love, in the surround sound of the three-in-one, all things are redeemed in the spacious heart of God. Even betrayal, even violence, even catastrophe. All that happens, whether we would name it bad or good, ultimately reveals to us a truth hidden at the heart of all things—which is that everything begins and ends in love.
To deepen into this truth requires the help of an Advocate, an inner witness to help us discern the meaning of our sorrow, our longing and hope. Despite the depth of their love, sorrow filled the hearts of his disciples, as it also shadows us today. But in the fire of truth and the wind of the Spirit, even losses can be sent flying, ash by ash, into the larger love. Concepts like “sin” and “righteousness” and “judgment” mean little until they are clarified and put into the context of our own experiences. Little by little, layer by layer, the Advocate listens to our questions, our doubts, our wonder, and helps us accept the painful, joyful stabs of recognition. In incremental revelations, the Advocate teaches the truth to all who are hungry to receive truth. At the table of this inner teacher, we are fed.
