Gospel: John 14:15-21
Dear friends,
As we approach the feast of the Pentecost, the church invites us to celebrate the coming of the advocate. Jesus promises us the Holy Spirit, the advocate. However, He gives a condition for 
receiving the advocate;" If you love me you will keep my commandments and I will not leave you orphans!!!!
At some point in life, we all want or even need to hear these words. They speak directly to some of our greatest fears and challenges; abandonment, isolation, loneliness. They remind us that we are not destined to walk this earth without an identity or direction. We do not stand alone!!!!
To be sure there are seasons of life, moments, when the transitions, changes and tragedies can leave us feeling as orphans. Whether spoken or unspoken the questions begin; After this lockdown of Covid-19, what will I do now? What happens next? Who will stand by my side? What will become of me? These are the orphan's questions. Indeed, any one who has ever loved and lost a spouse, a child, or a friend knows these orphans questions.
We fear becoming orphaned. That fear points to the reality that by ourselves we are not enough. We were never intended to stand alone as individuals. We were created to love and be loved, to live in a relationship as persons giving themselves.
This is the commandment that Jesus invites us to keep in order to receive the spirit of truth, that is; To love God and Our neighbor( LK 10: 25-27 ). Keeping this commandment is our access to Jesus's promise that we will not be left orphaned. Regardless of what is happening in our lives that is Jesus' promise. We have not been abandoned.
Regardless of the circumstances of our lives, storms, death, covid-19, separation, we have never been and will never be orphaned by God. Do not abandon yourselves or others to the orphanages of this world. Love with all that you are and that you have. In doing so the spirit of truth will abide in us and guide us. This is living in Caritas!
Please have a blessed week,
Fr. Kyazze Frank Lwanga
