Ordinary Time 
Pause
Knowing God is an intensely personal journey.
But it’s a journey we need to take in community,
where we find validation, challenge, new perspectives,
a shared story that gives shape to our prayers.
Enter into this solitary moment of prayer, knowing that you are forever beckoned into community by God and with God.
Listen
“If you love me, you will keep my commandments. I will ask the Father, and he will send another Companion, who will be with you forever. This Companion is the Spirit of Truth, whom the world can’t receive because it neither sees him nor recognizes him. You know him, because he lives with you and will be with you.”
John 14:15-17
Think
John describes a gift from God for us as a “Comforter” or “Advocate.” An Advocate must know the person or cause they represent. George, my roommate in college, was good friends with Cindy, the person I wanted to get to know. I wore him out asking questions about her schedule, her likes and dislikes, personal stuff. Little did I know that she was asking him similar questions about me. One evening when they were on the phone talking about a class assignment, I kept interrupting. He finally handed me his phone and said, “Here, ask her yourself. You two are perfect for each other.” And we were. Got married the summer after senior year. George was a great advocate!
In today’s text, Jesus says that our Advocate is the Spirit of Truth. The Holy Spirit knows only the intimate truth about us. Who we are, who we are created to be, is who God knows and loves.
Brad Hood
Pray
Creator God, in you I find the grace to be myself.
Help me to know me as you know me.
Amen.
Go
Endeavor to keep finding God.
Uncover, rediscover, know,
and then be completely surprised by God,
revealed in all that is around us and all that is within us.
