John 14:15-21 (NRSV)
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Verse 15"If you love me, you will keep my commandments. Verse 16And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, to be with you forever. Verse 17This 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.
Verse 18"I will not leave you orphaned; I am coming to you. Verse 19In a little while the world will no longer see me, but you will see me; because I live, you also will live. Verse 20On that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you. Verse 21They who have my commandments and keep them are those who love me; and those who love me will be loved by my Father, and I will love them and reveal myself to them."
Devotion
Pope John Paul II wanted his people to celebrate his death. Certainly people can celebrate that he is not suffering anymore. The frustrations of existing had been a terrible burden; his ability to work was limited and now he is free.
Yet there is more! John Paul was devoted to God and did amazing things, but the most amazing thing was his trust in God. He knew that the Lord was with him. He had seen Jesus in so many people and events. Now, in death, he would see Him face to face. Celebrate, the Disciple is home!
You do not have to be a Pope, just a follower, to know God; when we love and trust God we see Jesus in many ways—in this life and the next.
Prayer
Savior, be in our lives so we may be instruments of your love and peace. Amen.