Looking into the lectionary - A new pastor enters the moderator race

Sixth Sunday of Easter May 10, 2026 John 14:15-21 I’m thankful for this text two weeks before Pentecost because I’ve often lamented that we dedicate only one Sunday a year to talk about the Holy Spirit. I will talk about the Holy Spirit, the undersold third person of the Trinity, every chance I get. I’m also thankful that this text occurs on Mother’s Day, for it is often our mothers who, like the Holy Spirit, are our constant supporters, biggest cheerleaders, and strongest advocates. The context for the words in John 14:15-21 is Jesus’ Last Supper Discourse, continued from last Sunday. Jesus has washed his disciples’ feet and given them a new commandment. His heart is aching, for one of his closest friends will betray him and another will deny him. Yet, his deep concern is for them. Jesus says the wonderful things he says and makes the amazing promises he makes to encourage his followers through the next horrible 24 hours and beyond. These words are an exhortation to persevere in times of difficulty and persecution. We are not left on our own. We have a constant companion. The God who made us, and is for us, will now be in us. Jesus promises to send an advocate (paraclete – called to our side), who will be with us and in us forever. What do you think of when you hear the word advocate? A defense lawyer? I’ve been watching “The Lincoln Lawyer” on Netflix this year, a courtroom drama series about a lawyer named Mikey Haller who works out of his car, a Lincoln Navigator, usually chauffeured by a past client. Haller provides protection for, argues on behalf of, and guides his clients, never giving up, never abandoning them, even when they ignore his advice or become difficult. I love to think about the Holy Spirit like that — tenacious and willing to get dirty. Paraclete has also been translated as helper or comforter. Isn’t it great to have someone on our side to help and comfort us? Someone who listens to us and speaks words of peace? This is a great promise, especially when it feels like the whole world is against us. We can do almost anything if we know we are not alone. Jesus has not left us orphaned. I call my mom almost every day, because I know she is that advocate in human form. “What is the recipe for banana pudding?” I ask, forgetting where I put that card. She gladly repeats it to me again. “Should I call Uncle Harold?” I ask. “Yes,” she says, “he would love to hear from you.” “I’m really tired,” I explain. “Work is taking a toll on me.” “I know,” she gently responds, “but I also know you are called to be there and do what you are doing. Why don’t you take a day off and get some rest?” How often do I ask my holy advocate for directions, guidance and support? .... Thank you to this week's writer, Tracey Davenport. Read the rest of the commentary at pres-outlook.org. Want the worship resources for May 3, 2026? You can find them here.

Order of worship — May 10, 2026 by Tracey Davenport   West Virginia pastor will stand for Moderator of the 227th General Assembly by Mike Ferguson Special committee proposes confession specific to the times we live in by Harriet Riley Horizons — The Road to Emmaus, Luke 24:13-35 by Rosalind Banbury Presbyterian leaders to weigh next steps on fossil fuels by Harriet Riley   Former mission co-workers go public as PC(USA) severance conditions expire by Eric Ledermann

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