Acts 15:1-2, 22-29 / Apocalypse 21:10-14, 22-23 / John 14:23-29
Outward appearances give impressions, and often they may have lasting impressions.
So, in order to make impressions, and if so desired, then the attention will be focused on the image and appearances.
And grooming the image and the appearance is big business.
But it must be said that what we see is not all there is.
There is more to what we see, there is more than just image and appearances.
For example, in one of the comic book superheroes, his suit has a letter “S” which is encased in a diamond shaped frame.
Almost immediately we will associate it with Superman, but that logo or emblem is more than just that.
Or, let us talk about food. It is said that the presentation is as important as the taste.
But one of our favourite local dishes goes contrary to that saying.
We are talking about “char kuey teow”. It fails in looks, appearance and presentation, but it is fabulous in taste.
So, there are many things in life that have much more to tell us.
And it is not just things, but there are also many people that we come across in our lives, who have many things to tell us.
In the gospel, Jesus tells us that He will send the Holy Spirit who will teach us everything and also remind us of all that Jesus had taught us.
But in order for the Holy Spirit to teach us and remind us and to prompt us, there is one requirement.
Our hearts must be made to be the home for God, and then in the depths of our hearts, the Holy Spirit will speak God's Word to us.
And God’s Word will remind us, teach us, prompt us and reveal to us what we need to know.
And what God's Word will remind us, teach us, prompt us and reveal to us is the gift of peace.
Only Jesus can give us this peace, and it is a peace that the world cannot give, nor can we create it for ourselves.
With the peace of God in our hearts, we will not be troubled or afraid, even though we may not know what the future is going to be like.
With peace in our hearts, we know that we are saved by the love of God, and not by any superpower or superhero.
Anyway, talking about that superhero with the “S” emblem on his suit, the story behind the emblem is that it does not stand for Superman.
Rather, the story is that the “S” in the Superman emblem represents the Kryptonian symbol for hope, and it is the family crest of the house of El, which is Superman's family.
So, it is not a simple “S” but a stylized Kryptonian symbol for hope and justice.
So, even the comic book superheroes have something to reveal about hope and justice, and also about truth, love and salvation.
Jesus promised to send us the Holy Spirit, who will teach us about the ways of God.
The Holy Spirit will remind us that we are saved by the love of God.
The Holy Spirit will also reveal what God wants us to see, so that we can understand deeper the marvels of God.
And Holy Spirit will also prompt us to do the will of God and to speak the words of God.
Let us believe in God's gifts of peace, love and the Holy Spirit.
And we will see the wonders and the marvels of God.