Today’s Gospel reading is a continuation of the Gospel from last week. Remember that Jesus was trying to prepare His disciples for what was to come, telling them not to worry because all would be well in the end. He knew the trials that lay ahead for them, and He knew how much they would miss Him, and He’s trying to be comforting. Today we hear Him promising to send another “Advocate” (in Jesus’ time, an advocate’s role was to both defend and provide instruction). He also tells them that He will not leave them orphaned, but rather that He will return; yet he makes it clear that things won’t be as they had been because “in a little while the world will not longer see me.” The implication is clear; the promised Advocate will be Jesus’ spirit. He said, “On that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you.” Imagine the disciples trying to make sense of all this! Sometimes I don’t think it’s any easier for us. The Holy Trinity is a mystery that we can never understand fully in this life. Yet, this Gospel reading begins with Jesus telling the disciples that “if you love me you will keep my commandments”… and it is the “Advocate,” the Holy Spirit, that helps us to do that. In other words, Jesus gave us the Spirit in order to help us love Him and follow Him. How cool is it that God has given us everything we need to know Him and love Him? Are we willing to take the time and make the effort to allow the Spirit to work in, and through, us?