Scripture: John 14:15-21

15 "If you love Me, you will do what I say. 16 Then I will ask My Father and He will give you another Helper. He will be with you forever. 17 He is the Spirit of Truth. The world cannot receive Him. It does not see Him or know Him. You know Him because He lives with you and will be in you.

18 "I will not leave you without help as children without parents. I will come to you. 19 In a little while the world will see Me no more. You will see Me. Because I live, you will live also. 20 When that day comes, you will know that I am in My Father. You will know that you are in Me. You will know that I am in you. 21 The one who loves Me is the one who has My teaching and obeys it. My Father will love whoever loves Me. I will love him and will show Myself to him."

Meditation: Jesus promised to give his followers the best of gifts, the Holy Spirit as their Counselor and Helper. How does the Holy Spirit help us? Counselor is a legal term for one who defends someone against an adversary and who guides that person during the ordeal of trial. The Holy Spirit is our Advocate and Helper who brings us safely through the challenges and adversities we must face in this life. The Holy Spirit is also the Giver of life – the life of God – and the One who guides us in the way of truth. We can never stop learning because the Spirit leads us more and more into the knowledge of God's love and truth. Jesus also promised his followers the gift of peace. Peace is more than the absence of conflict or trouble. Peace includes everything which makes for our highest good. Trust in God, faith in his promises, and obedience to his word lead us to peace and safety in God's presence. That is why a Christian need not fear or be troubled by anything. What can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus?

Prayer: "O God, you are the unsearchable abyss of peace, the ineffable sea of love, the fountain of blessings and the bestowed of affection, who sends peace to those who receive it. Open to us this day the sea of your love and water us with abundant streams from the riches of your grace and from the sweetest springs of your kindness.  Make us children of quietness and heirs of peace; enkindle in us the fire of your love; sow in us your fear; strengthen our weakness by your power; bind us closely to you and to each other in our firm and indissoluble bond of unity." (ancient prayer from Syrian Clementine liturgy)

Psalm 66:1-7, 16, 20

1 Raise the voice of joy to God, all the earth!
 2 Sing out the honor of His name! Make His praise great!
 3 Say to God, "How Your great works make those who hate You afraid! They will have to obey You because of Your great power.
 4 All the earth will worship You and sing praises to You. They will sing praises to Your name."

 5 Come and see what God has done. There is much fear because of His great works toward the children of men.
 6 He changed the sea into dry land. They passed through the river on foot. There we were full of joy in Him.
 7 He rules forever by His power. His eyes keep watch over the nations. Do not let those who do not obey You honor themselves.

 16 Come and hear, all who fear God, and I will tell you what He has done for me.
 
 20 Honor and thanks be to God! He has not turned away from my prayer or held His loving-kindness from me.