Let's face it, as a species humanity can be petty, vindictive, silly, aimless, and thick headed.
Ow.
We also have aspirations that go beyond us that are grand, forgiving, sober, directed, and wise. But these are at constant war with and diluted by our selfish natures. Every good we do casts a shadow. Every prayer is tinged with this stain. Every good intention is undone by a wrongdoing, whether major or minor.
God knows this; how could He not? I look at myself and realize as flawed and sinful as I am God knows me better, and those prayers I dare utter must fall flatter than a soufflé in an earthquake.
God knows this, but He has not left us without hope. In today's Epistle (Rom. 8.22-27) St. Paul tells us that we are saved in hope, hope for what is yet to be seen, hope for what is yet to come. In our blindness we still reach out to God in hope, and in turn God sends His Spirit on us, a Spirit that fills in the gaps, perfects our prayers, and aligns them with the Will of God.
Our Lord in the Gospel for today (St. Jn. 15.26-27, 16.4b-15) tells us this same Spirit will guide us in all truth, because the Spirit only conveys what the Father conveys. The Father, the Son, and the Spirit are united in message and in truth, and all convey the Will of the Father, that no one perish, but come to repentence. (2 Pet. 3.9)
The Spirit teaches us, intercedes for us, fills in the blanks for us, shines the light on our sins, and gives us a heart and mind to confess and turn from those sins and to come to the Father. The Son gave us the testimony of the Father and redeemed us from our sins and offers us eternal life, but it is the Spirit who leads us in that life and guides us into truth.
Oh that today we hear His voice and open our hearts. (Ps. 95.10)
Mosaic of the West Dome, Patriarchal Basilica of San Marco, Venice, 13th Century, Italo-Byzantine style (Alamy Stock Photo)