Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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The Conscious Waiting for Holy Spirit
John 14: 15-21
John 14: 16-17, NRSV “And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, to be with you forever. This is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, because he abides with you, and he will be in you.”
When children first learn to ride a bicycle, they will start by riding with training wheels. As they learn to ride, they will also learn to balance with training wheels and with help. Eventually, with thorough practice and balancing, the training wheels will be taken off accordingly, which will enable the child to ride the bicycle on their own.  

The disciples followed Jesus Christ throughout the public ministry. Jesus reminds them of the reality of His return to God the Father. Jesus was not going to leave the disciples. Jesus Himself is an advocate for the disciples. However, He wanted the disciples to be more strong in faith by standing on their own feet and discern and experience His presence even after returning to the Father. Though the disciples feared and worried about what they would do after Christ’s ministry, Christ assures them of His presence by sending the Holy Spirit.

What is our relationship with the Holy Spirit? To understand the Holy Spirit, we need to understand the Holy Trinity. God the Father is our Creator; Jesus Christ the Son is our Redeemer, and the Holy Spirit is our sustainer, counselor, guide, and the one who sanctifies us. Our church affirms our faith in the Holy Trinity. Pneumatology (Doctrine of the Holy Spirit) is emphasized in our Syriac tradition and found in our various liturgies.

We are assured of the promise of the Holy Spirit as revealed in scriptures and through the various sacraments. As Christians, we are called to have a real, active, and dynamic relationship with the Holy Spirit. When we learn to rely on the Holy Spirit, we will be able to feel the presence of Christ in us. All we need to do is love Christ and obey His commands. We need to be receptive to the promptings of the Holy Spirit in our lives. We will learn to do things out of our love and devotion to the Lord.
PRAYER
Lord, help us understand that you sent the Holy Spirit as a gift to us, to remind us of your everlasting presence and love. Help us to be receptive to the Holy Spirit and to respond creatively and positively. Let all glory, honor, and praise be unto thee, O Triune God, both now and forever. Amen.
 
Thought for the day
Where do we locate ourselves in relation to the Holy Spirit? Are we far away, or are we close by? Is our relationship consistent or casual? Let us critically reflect on our relationship with the Holy Spirit.
Rev. Dennis Abraham
Vicar, San Francisco Mar Thoma Church

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