You Aren't Abandoned

 LECTIO: 

Jn 14:23-29

Jesus said to his disciples:
“Whoever loves me will keep my word,
and my Father will love him,
and we will come to him and make our dwelling with him.
Whoever does not love me does not keep my words;
yet the word you hear is not mine
but that of the Father who sent me.

“I have told you this while I am with you.
The Advocate, the Holy Spirit,
whom the Father will send in my name,
will teach you everything
and remind you of all that I told you.
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.
Not as the world gives do I give it to you.
Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid.
You heard me tell you,
‘I am going away and I will come back to you.’
If you loved me,
you would rejoice that I am going to the Father;
for the Father is greater than I.
And now I have told you this before it happens,
so that when it happens you may believe.”

STUDIUM:

This passage reads as a series of precepts or sayings, Jesus is giving to His apostles.  The theme seems to be to copy Jesus' pattern of living conscious of doing what the Father expects.  Jesus also makes it clear that He will not abandon them. The Holy Spirit will guide them.  

MEDITATIO:

Jesus promises us His peace, which is different than most people expect.  It does not mean "no fighting."  Jesus is talking about putting things in the order the Father intends.  So does that mean that while in the midst of war, I could find peace?

ORATIO:

Lord, if You keep me close will I find Your peace?  If I keep my eyes on You will I be safe in Your care?  I pray this is so.

CONTEMPLATIO:

Where did God the Father come from?  I understand that He always was--that's why He is God.  I also understand that I owe Him everything. I can rest in that understanding.

RESOLUTIO:

I plan on consciously attempting to achieve that peace that Jesus calls the "Peace He leaves us."