Grace Cathedral

Acts 10:44-48; Psalm 98; 1 John 5:1-6; John 15:9-7

As we continue on the miracle journey of the Easter season, we encounter a hopeful, comforting, instructive wisdom teaching on something revolutionary and new.

In Acts, a spiritually maturing Peter is recognizing the mystical significance of the Holy Spirit and taking bold action in the baptizing of the non-Jew and “all who have heard the word.” He seems to be living up to his name, Peter (“rock”) and into all that his Master had foretold and expected of him.

The abiding themes of belovedness, faith and adherence to God’s law are beautifully expressed, through the words of Jesus, in John’s gospel reading today. They impart a message, much like the tender lullaby of a parent, comforting, enlightening and nurturing a child, “as the Father has loved me, so I have loved you; abide in my love.” His words offer us the gift of a triumphant delight, by extension, “I have said these things to you so that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be complete.” Finally, as he reinforces the commitment to love one another, he refers to his disciples as “friends,” no longer servants. His work as teacher, in terms of speaking God’s truth, has come to an end.

These Gospel words evoke deep emotion. Their generosity and promise point to a profound and fundamental truth. A truth drawn from a deeper place than intellect or reason. The truth about the nature and will of God, as reflected in the person of Jesus. In this “Year of Truth,” may these words abide in us, and we in them.

Jeff Clark was a parishioner at Grace during his time in San Francisco and began his EfM studies here in 2007. He lives in Newport, Rhode Island.