Because we have evolved from apes, there are still brutish tendencies in us. Because we were born in sin, there are still a lot of imperfections and weaknesses in us. During the time of Jesus, slavery was an acceptable practice in most societies. Over the years, as people reflected on Christ’s teaching and moved by the Spirit He sent, people have come to realize the inherent evil in enslaving other human beings. Slavery has now been outlawed in most countries. Yet, there are still millions who are victims of human trafficking, the modern version of slavery.
There are other social issues we are struggling with since the times of Christ, like respect and protection for women and children, wars and violence, the death penalty for criminals, divorce. Progress and development have likewise spawned new social issues we must seek the answers to as a human community, like care for nature and ecology, the sharing of God’s creation, human cloning and stem cell research, same-sex marriages.
As the community of God reflects and prays over these social issues, Jesus promised us His abiding presence through the indwelling of the Spirit. The Spirit of Truth will guide us. We will stumble and fall but He will keep us in the truth. The Spirit of Truth will guide the Church in living our the Gospel of Christ as he also leads me in living that same Gospel in my personal life.
Heaven and earth are full of your glory.
Jesus said to his disciples:
“I have much more to tell you, but you cannot bear it now.
But when he comes, the Spirit of truth,
he will guide you to all truth.
He will not speak on his own,
but he will speak what he hears,
and will declare to you the things that are coming.”
John 16:12-15