John 14, 15-21(2026)<\/p>\n
Spirit of Truth and Love, move in us and among us as we listen to the Scriptures read and proclaimed. Open our minds and hearts to God\u2019s Living Word so that we may know it more fully and follow it more faithfully, day by day. Amen<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Today\u2019s gospel is one of the well known and loved passages in John<\/p>\n
It is comforting and lovely in every way<\/p>\n
We are to be loving<\/p>\n
To receive the gift of the spirit of God<\/p>\n
To know we are not orphaned<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
How does this affect us<\/p>\n
This knowledge that we are loved, cherished even<\/p>\n
That we are not orphaned<\/p>\n
That Jesus has arranged to send an advocate who will act on our behalf?<\/p>\n
In the popular sense an advocate is a person who publicly supports, recommends, or pleads on behalf of a cause, policy, or individual<\/p>\n
The word that is translated advocate in John 14 is paraclete which is a name for the Holy Spirit\/ and which can also be understood to be a helper or advocate<\/p>\n
Jesus was promising his disciples that when he left the earth that they would not be alone<\/p>\n
The Holy Spirt who is a helper or advocate would be present to comfort and guide the followers of Jesus<\/p>\n
Another word that can be used to translate paraclete is \u201ckokua\u201d (pronounced “ko-KOO-ah”) which is a Hawaiian word that means helper<\/p>\n
Kokua is also the name that was given to those who used to be the companion for those suffering from Hansen\u2019s disease, or leprosy<\/p>\n
In Hawaii, from 1866-1969 those with Hansen’s Disease were sent to the community of Kalaupapa<\/p>\n
Your kokua went with you into the settlement, and they never left.<\/p>\n
In choosing to be a kokua, you in essence gave your life for the other person, you gave up your life to companion them forever.<\/p>\n
You committed yourself to journey beside another through thick and
\nthin,<\/p>\n
Whatever life would bring.<\/p>\n
And you entirely cast your lot in with one who was an outcast forever.
\nIt is an intriguing concept for the Holy Spirit, isn’t it?<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
We know that the Advocate draws us to God breaking through our resistance and whatever other obstacles block to love and comfort of God<\/p>\n
A special hospital helper Koyla, served at the UCLA Medical Center and showed how love can touch when nothing else can<\/p>\n
A patient, whom we will call Hazel, entered UCLA Medical Center for quadruple-bypass surgery.<\/p>\n
Since being moved into ICU,<\/p>\n
She had barely moved, or even opened her eyes.<\/p>\n
It had been days now, and volunteer Betty Walsh was getting concerned.<\/p>\n
The situation was getting desperate.<\/p>\n
She decided to call in a member of the canine candy-striping corps.<\/p>\n
The new staffer, a pet-partner, if you will, arrived moments later.<\/p>\n
Koyla,<\/p>\n
A 145-pound shaggy white Great Pyrenees, crawled right up on Hazel’s hospital bed and snuggled in beside her.<\/p>\n
There she lay beside her patient, nuzzling her warm and furry body in next to Hazel, who hadn’t twitched a muscle for days.<\/p>\n
Betty and the other nurses gathered around to watch, tense and concerned.<\/p>\n
Then, they detected movement.<\/p>\n
Hazel’s hand came alive.<\/p>\n
It wasn’t long until her hand was inching toward the dog.<\/p>\n
She began to stroke its fur.<\/p>\n
Within minutes she was smiling and talking, calling the huge dog her friend.<\/p>\n
Betty stood close by and monitored her vital signs.<\/p>\n
The blood pressure monitor began to go down, down, down to normal levels.<\/p>\n
What is it about dogs that evokes such a positive response?<\/p>\n
How are they able to provide such comfort and reassurance?<\/p>\n
Therapy Dogs International screens dogs for personality, obedience and training, and provides certification for more than 4,500 pet partners who provide service for 350,000 patients<\/p>\n
Whatever it is, we know that dogs demonstrate loyalty and obedience, and offer comfort and a sense of well-being.<\/p>\n
The point?<\/p>\n
Perhaps we should try a little harder to be godly and dogly in our daily lives.<\/p>\n
The marks of a godly\/dogly disciple are clearly enumerated in the text:\u201d If you love me, you will keep my commandments” (14:15).<\/p>\n
The disciple is also on the receiving end of the Holy Spirit’s (here called the Advocate) comforting and reassuring presence.<\/p>\n
“I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, to be with you forever” (14:16). He also reminds the disciples that “I am coming to you.”<\/p>\n
If we were to have the kind of ministry in our churches, homes, schools and communities that pet partners have in hospitals, what could that look like?<\/p>\n
What would faithful obedience to the will of God, and a willingness to “come” to the side of others as their Advocate mean in the lives of those around us?<\/p>\n
To answer these questions, let us explore the fundamental nature of dogness, or doghood. There are 10 dog-truths that will help us grab the robes of sanctification and wear them:<\/p>\n
1. Greet loved ones with joy
\n2. Eat with gusto and enthusiasm. Dogs know that eating is a celebration of life. Breaking bread together is holy. To nourish the body is not a chore, but a sacrament. Animosities are dissipated at meals, barriers broken down, friendships renewed and strengthened. So, eat with gusto. Enjoy all the flavors and spices of creation.<\/p>\n
3. On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree. Relax, slow down and enjoy. Give yourself a time out. Opt out, unplug, and get lazy.<\/p>\n
4. Run, romp and play daily. Physical exercise is as important for the soul as it is for the body. No disciple of Christ can be as faithful and effective when the body is run down and health is unnecessarily poor. When we learn how to play and stretch and get in some exercise we will feel better from the inside out.<\/p>\n
5. Be loyal. Loyalty is a good thing. Loyalty has fallen on hard times. Loyalty is a critical element of discipleship, for it speaks to our relationship with others: our spouse, our vocation, our community and our friends.<\/p>\n
6. When you’re happy, dance around and wag your tail. Thankfulness and celebration are powerful dynamics for successful and healthy living. Gratitude is a gift we give ourselves that enables us to affirm the essential goodness of life. Even when adversity strikes, gratitude helps us maintain our perspective and carries us through the low moments.<\/p>\n
7. If someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by and nuzzle gently. We all have bad days. That’s why we need encouragement and affirmation. When we are depressed, we know that it takes only a quiet word, a gentle touch to bring us around. A dog has this instinct that tells it when to be dancing and jumping around and when to just be there beside you. Words are not always needed, or even helpful, to convey empathy. A gentle nuzzle will do.<\/p>\n
8. No matter how harshly you’re scolded, don’t pout – run back and make friends. Carrying grudges makes life a drudgery. Make friends and keep them. Overlook faults and assume the best. Don’t keep a scorecard of rights and wrongs. Don’t take offense.<\/p>\n
9. Avoid biting when a simple growl will do. We do not need to injure others by what we say or do. We can be strong with love; firm with kindness.<\/p>\n
10. Bark with your buddies. Barking is an act of commonality. Barking says we belong in this together. We are one.<\/p>\n
In the three years the disciples traveled with Jesus, they had incredible experiences together and learned a lot.<\/p>\n
They had learned something about love, about faith, about affirmation, about friendship, about ministry, about eating together, about acceptance, about patience and humility. Now, as Jesus prepares to leave them, he reminds them of what is truly important.<\/p>\n
He places value on obedience, and he reminds them of the central role the Holy Spirit will play in their lives after he is physically gone from their presence.<\/p>\n
It’s not that we should think of ourselves as Dogs to God as a Master. But God put dogs on earth to remind us of some important truths,<\/p>\n
For on one level dogs seem to do better at displaying human traits than humans.<\/p>\n
What an example they are<\/p>\n
Think about it.<\/p>\n
Consistently more humble, more loving, more grateful, more joyful, more kindhearted, and so on.<\/p>\n
Which should compel us to vow – if not to bow wow: I will never let my dog be a better Christian than myself.
\nAmen. Arf. Arf.<\/p>\n
Source:
\nRoosevelt, Margot. “Canine candy stripers.” Time. August 6, 2001, 52-53.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Love for Jesus is the kind of love that allows us to love without counting the cost<\/p>\n
This doesn\u2019t mean that love for Jesus will lead us to smother another<\/p>\n
Or to become so involved in a cause or a case that we forget responsibilities<\/p>\n
It does mean that we may do things that have no immediate advantage to us<\/p>\n
That we act without calculating<\/p>\n
Such love is the kind of love that makes forgiveness possible<\/p>\n
Such love frees us from the trials that haunt us<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
An example of such love is found in the life of Walt Everett<\/p>\n
Walt\u2019s son, Scott Everett was killed by drug dealer Mike Carlucci in 1987,<\/p>\n
Who was then arrested and sent to prison.
\nMike received a letter from Scott’s father Walt forgiving him for the crime;<\/p>\n
Walt visited Mike in prison and later advocated for his parole.
\nWalt said, “when something small is broken, it can be fixed.\u00a0 But if it is too big to be fixed, the only thing left is forgiveness.” (Chris Brundage)<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
The only thing left is forgiveness
\nsuch an attitude motivated Jesus to continue his ministry<\/p>\n
To continue to act for and speak for those he loved<\/p>\n
To heal the sick<\/p>\n
To question abuse of power<\/p>\n
To eat with tax collectors and sinners<\/p>\n
To touch the unclean<\/p>\n
Such love would lead him to crucifixion<\/p>\n
Because he upset the established way of doing things<\/p>\n
Such people must be silenced<\/p>\n
Whether they are silenced by being imprisoned, threatened<\/p>\n
Sent away<\/p>\n
Or put to death<\/p>\n
No established order welcomes the voice that challenges it<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
In this way the church at times is different<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
There are times when the church insists on following tradition<\/p>\n
There are times when the Church misses the chance to do justice<\/p>\n
There are also times when the work of the church goes unnoticed because that is the way we want it to be<\/p>\n
We help out<\/p>\n
But we stay in the background because we are involved in ministry not pageantry<\/p>\n
The ministry of the church is the work of Christ<\/p>\n
There is one ministry<\/p>\n
This ministry is to communicate the gospel<\/p>\n
St. Francis of Assisi is credited with saying that Christians should preach the gospel at all times and use words if necessary<\/p>\n
Ministry is what we are to do as Christians<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
How?<\/p>\n
By being kokuka<\/p>\n
By loving in a joyful, accepting, canine way<\/p>\n
By seeing each one as God sees us<\/p>\n
By using the systems we have to include others<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Selecting good elders<\/p>\n
Supporting their work<\/p>\n
Participating in committees<\/p>\n
Taking our knowledge of process and using it to transform our communities<\/p>\n
When we know the love of God in Jesus<\/p>\n
The love that means we are not orphaned<\/p>\n
Not alone<\/p>\n
We can act confidently<\/p>\n
Perfect love casts out fear<\/p>\n
We need no longer hold onto our human nature<\/p>\n
We are made new by the love of Jesus<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n Prayers of Thanksgiving and Intercession<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n God of homes and families,<\/p>\n this Sunday we give you thanks for our families,<\/p>\n especially remembering mothers, grandmothers, great grandmothers.<\/p>\n We are grateful for their love and attention,<\/p>\n their hard work and the deep hope they have cherished for each one of us.<\/p>\n We honour before you each one who has mothered us<\/p>\n and now lives with you in your eternal care.<\/p>\n And we ask your blessing on each one in our family<\/p>\n who continues to care for us, cook for us and worry about us.<\/p>\n God with a loving heart,<\/p>\n Hear our prayer.<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n God of connections and compassion,<\/p>\n today we thank you for our friends and relations,<\/p>\n for the neighbours and fellow citizens who help to make our lives complete.<\/p>\n We thank you for glad times shared, helping hands offered, commitments honoured.<\/p>\n And we pray for those around us facing particular challenges this day.<\/p>\n Keep silence for 15 seconds.<\/em><\/p>\n God with a loving heart,<\/p>\n Hear our prayer.<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n God of courage and new possibility,<\/p>\n today we pray for all those who feel life or love slipping through their fingers,<\/p>\n for those who face the loss of good health,<\/p>\n and for those who face the loss of good times.<\/p>\n We pray for communities facing upheaval through natural disaster and human misjudgement,<\/p>\n and for countries facing economic turbulence and environmental collapse.<\/p>\n Keep silence for 15 seconds.<\/em><\/p>\n God with a loving heart,<\/p>\n Hear our prayer.<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n God of forgiveness and renewal,<\/p>\n today we pray for those caught up in relationships in need of repair<\/p>\n and for all who seek peace and seek to make peace.<\/p>\n We pray for families, churches, communities, and countries caught up in division.<\/p>\n Keep silence for 15 seconds.<\/em><\/p>\n Send your Spirit to bring peace to troubled lives.<\/p>\n God with a loving heart,<\/p>\n Hear our prayer.<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n As those who seek peace in Jesus\u2019 name, we pray together in his name Amen<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n Benediction<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n Walk in the love of the Lord, as Jesus taught us, showing that love to all whom you meet.<\/p>\n And may grace, mercy and peace from God, our Creator, Redeemer, and Sanctifier, be with you, now and evermore. Amen<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" John 14, 15-21(2026) Spirit of Truth and Love, move in us and among us as we listen to the Scriptures read and proclaimed. Open our minds and hearts to God\u2019s Living Word so that we may know it more fully and follow it more faithfully, day by day. Amen Today\u2019s gospel is one of … Continue reading “Written sermon for May 10th, 2026”<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":37,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3225","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"sermons_blog_filters_topics":"\t\t\t\t