Inspired!

I look forward to vacations. The week before a vacation everything seems to go well. It doesn’t really go any better, but my disposition is changed. I know that something I enjoy is just around the corner. For whatever reason, the thought of an imminent vacation inspires me.


Today’s reading is John 14:23-27. Jesus and the disciples had just eaten their Passover Meal and Jesus was discussing many things with his disciples. He tells them one of them will betray him and that Peter will deny him. He also says he is going away, but will return to take them to heaven.


Most importantly, Jesus tells them that he will send the Holy Spirit after he leaves.


The disciples probably were not inspired by this news. More likely, they were confused and depressed. It wasn’t until later, when the Holy Spirit came to them on Pentecost, that they understood Jesus’ words and were inspired.


The Holy Spirit inspires us today. Jesus gave us work to do. We are, after all, his Church, and we bring the Good News of Jesus to the unbelieving world.


Our work includes “loving our neighbors as ourselves”, “making disciples of all nations” and “teaching them to obey.” Without the Holy Spirit, we could not accomplish our task.


God is the only true source of love. Without the Holy Spirit in us, we are void of love. The Spirit enables us to “love our neighbors as ourselves.”


The Spirit also allows us to confidently witness of Christ to others.


We have the Word of God, but it is something we humans cannot understand on our own. Just like the disciples finally understood what Jesus was saying after they got the Spirit, The Spirit allows us to understand God’s Word today. With that understanding, we can teach it to others.


Perhaps most importantly, the Spirit allows us to understand that Jesus will take us to heaven. God’s Word tells us how glorious it will be in heaven.


Vacations inspire me. And so does the Holy Spirit!