May 18, 2026
While We Wait - Part 1
John 15:26-27
05/18/2026
26 But when the Helper comes, whom I will send to you
from the Father, the Spirit of truth, who proceeds
from the Father, he will bear witness about me.
27 And you also will bear witness, because you have
been with me from the beginning. (ESV)
This past Sunday is often called the ``Sunday of Waiting.''
Christ Jesus has ascended into heaven, yet the Holy Spirit has
not yet visibly descended on the disciples. The Collect, or
prayer for Sunday, reflects the Church longing for the presence
of God.
O King of glory, Lord of hosts, uplifted in triumph far
above all heavens, leave us not without consolation but
send us the Spirit of truth whom You promised from the
Father; for You live and reign with Him and the Holy
Spirit, one God, now and forever.
There is a reason the disciples, and the Church, can ask
Jesus to send the Holy Spirit to be our guide, advocate, and
comforter. On the night Jesus was betrayed, He told His
disciples:
But when the Helper comes, whom I will send to you from
the Father, the Spirit of truth, who proceeds from the
Father, he will bear witness about me. And you also
will bear witness, because you have been with me from
the beginning.
Therefore the Church waits, knowing that the Holy Spirit
comes to create and sustain the faith of each Christian. As with
many aspects of Christianity, there is the tension of the promise
which is not yet fulfilled.
May our Lord grant us patience as we await His coming, even
as the disciples waited for the coming of the Holy Spirit. Amen.