Gospel
John 16:5-11
Unless I go, the Advocate will not come to you
Jesus said to his disciples:
‘Now I am going to the one who sent me.
Not one of you has asked, “Where are you going?”
Yet you are sad at heart because I have told you this.
Still, I must tell you the truth:
it is for your own good that I am going
because unless I go,
the Advocate will not come to you;
but if I do go,
I will send him to you.
And when he comes,
he will show the world how wrong it was,
about sin,
and about who was in the right,
and about judgement:
about sin: proved by their refusal to believe in me;
about who was in the right: proved by my going to the Father and your seeing me no more;
about judgement: proved by the prince of this world being already condemned.’
Reflection
In this passage from the Gospel of John, Jesus prepares His disciples for His departure, emphasizing the necessity of His going for the coming of the Advocate, the Holy Spirit. His words reveal a profound truth: sometimes, what feels like a loss can be a gateway to greater gifts. The disciples were understandably sad, not fully grasping that Jesus’ absence would usher in a new presence—a comforter and guide who would illuminate their understanding of sin, righteousness, and judgment.
In our own lives, we often resist change, clinging to what is familiar, even when it may hinder our growth. Jesus reassures us that His departure is for our benefit, reminding us that the Holy Spirit will lead us into deeper truths. This passage invites us to reflect on the ways we might be holding onto the past, preventing us from welcoming the new guidance and insights that God wishes to provide.
What might we need to let go of in order to embrace the transformative presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives?
Prayer
Loving God, thank you for sending us the Holy Spirit as our Advocate. Help us to trust in Your plan, even when we face uncertainty or change. May we be open to the guidance of the Spirit, allowing Him to lead us into truth and deeper understanding. Grant us the courage to let go of what no longer serves us, so we may fully embrace the new life You offer. Amen.
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