Paraclete

This week our Gospel reading from John uses a word that is filled with complex meaning. The Koine Greek word is paraclete and it is often translated as advocate. In its most literal sense, it means “called alongside”.  A deeper look at the word reveals that a paraclete was a word that often described a person who spoke on your behalf in court. The equivalent of a lawyer in ancient times. The word also took on the meaning of “one who consoles”. A paraclete is both someone who advocates on your behalf but also comforts you and walks beside you in times of trouble. In the reading from John 14:23-29, Jesus tells his disciples that he would be leaving soon but his presence would remain with them as a paraclete. Early Christianity understood the word paraclete to be synonymous with the Holy Spirit.

The paraclete is also a place. In the 12th century, French philosopher and theologian Peter Abelard, chose the life of a hermit and established a chapel out in the countryside. He named it the “oratory of the paraclete” because he says, "I had come there as a fugitive and, in the depths of my despair, was granted some comfort by the grace of God.” Wherever the grace of God advocates and consoles, it is the work of the paraclete. Earlier in John 14:16, Jesus says that he will ask God to send another paraclete. In doing so, Jesus says that he is to be understood as the first paraclete. Jesus’ words and actions prove this to be true. He walked beside the marginalized and hurting people of his day. He spoke out on behalf of those who had no voice in his society. The second paraclete is present in this world as we advocate for those who need it and comfort those who are grieving or in pain.

The church is called at this time to advocate and console many locally and around the world. In the aftermath of the white supremacist massacre in Buffalo, New York, Christians are called by God to walk alongside the black communities of our country and advocate in ways that help put an end to the evil of racism. We are called to walk beside and to console those who are grieving the loss of precious loved ones.

May the second paraclete at work among us, walk beside us to bring about justice and healing for Buffalo and may God work in each of us to make a difference for those who need us most.

Pastor Joel

God's Global Barnyard

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• 3  groups of chicks
• 2 roosters
• 2 goats
• 2 piglets
• 1 honeybees
• 1 tools and seeds
• 5 fruit tree seedlings 

Memorial Service

 For Sarah Wetzel

Saturday, June 4, 2022 at 2 pm

Worship Service
Sundays at 10:30 am