Today is the Sixth Sunday of Easter, when the Gospel reading is taken from John’s account of Jesus’ last supper with his disciples. Jesus is preparing his disciples for their ongoing life in the world after he has been taken from them, and he promises them that the Father will give another Paraclete to be with them for ever. This word Paraclete is peculiar to the Johannine literature. The usual translation ‘Advocate’ refers to someone who argues our case on our behalf. Literally the word means ‘someone called to our side’. In this passage Jesus promises that the Paraclete ‘will teach you everything and remind you of all that I have said to you’. In some senses the Paraclete is our coach.
For those of you who wanted to do some thinking and preparation for today’s service during the preceding week, I invited reflection on the image of the coach. In today’s picture from their book, Special People, Aled and Sian are learning from their vicar, their coach in living Christian lives.
Risen Lord Jesus,
you promised the gift of peace to your people.
Send your Holy Spirit into our hearts,
that we may share your peace
and lay aside all fear;
for you are the Prince of Peace,
today and for ever.
Amen.
Next week, the Seventh Sunday of Easter and the Sunday after Ascension Day, the Gospel reading from John is about Jesus returning to the Father. The image to help us prepare for next week’s theme is royal thrones. You can find out more about that theme by looking at the Educational Resources and the Preparation Resources.
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Fifth Sunday of Easter – Exploring the Sunday Gospel