On this the 6^th Sunday of Easter, in John 14:15-21, Jesus said to his disciples, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.  And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate to be with you always, the Spirit of truth”.  According to Meriam-Webster, an advocate is one who defends or maintains a cause,  supports or promotes the interests of a cause or group, or pleads the cause of another.   We can always rely on the Holy Spirit to defend us and support us.  We can depend on the Holy Spirit to work through us in our defense  and support of  one another as well.

At the presentation and   preparation of the gifts this weekend, we will be  singing the bilingual hymn, “Holy,  Spirit, Come” by Jesse Manibusan.  The third verse of this hymn states, “With the reverence of the Lord, love is shown, serving each other, God’s presence is known.  Oh the goodness and the glory of God! Hearts overflowing with wonder and awe.”   Great things happen, when we involve the Holy Spirit in  our lives!   Come, Holy Spirit!