Rev'd Up for Sunday
Listen along as the priests of St. Mark's, New Canaan (Peter Walsh, Elizabeth Garnsey, and John Kennedy) gear up for Sunday. Each week the preacher will lead a discussion of the scriptures of the day. Sometimes irreverent, often witty, always filled with love for our Lord: don’t miss these conversations about the questions, mysteries, and hope these three find in the Bible.
Rev'd Up for Sunday
"What is the Holy Spirit?" John 14:15-21 | Episode 258
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This week, the clergy continue to explore Jesus’ farewell discourse and the promise of the Holy Spirit as Advocate, Companion, and Spirit of Truth. Peter Walsh, Elizabeth Garnsey, and John Kennedy wrestle with the deep mystery of mutual indwelling (God in us, and us in God) and ponder what it looks like to live a life shaped by divine love, sustained by the Spirit, and rooted in truth that sets us free.
Questions for Further Discussion
Themes and Application
- What do you think Jesus means when he says, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments”? Does that feel like a condition, an invitation, or something else?
- How do you experience the Holy Spirit—as comforter, advocate, truth-teller, or something different? Which image resonates most with you right now?
- How does the idea of “mutual indwelling” (God in us, we in God) challenge or expand your understanding of your relationship with God?
Personal Reflection
- When have you felt most aware of God’s presence within you rather than “out there”?
- Have you ever experienced something in community (worship, service, conversation) that felt like “catching” faith rather than being taught it? What was that like?
- What are some “untrue” things you might be telling yourself that an Advocate—one who defends and tells the truth—would challenge?
Broader Spiritual Considerations
- What role does truth play in spiritual life today, especially in a world full of competing narratives and “versions” of truth?
- The episode suggests that the Spirit works both personally and communally. What happens when we overemphasize one at the expense of the other?
- In what ways might the Spirit of Truth be at work beyond traditional religious boundaries? How do we recognize it?
Learn more about St. Mark's at https://www.stmarksnewcanaan.org