Gospel JN 16:5-11
Jesus said to his disciples:
“Now I am going to the one who sent me,
and not one of you asks me, ‘Where are you going?’
But because I told you this, grief has filled your hearts.
But I tell you the truth, it is better for you that I go.
For if I do not go, the Advocate will not come to you.
But if I go, I will send him to you.
And when he comes he will convict the world
in regard to sin and righteousness and condemnation:
sin, because they do not believe in me;
righteousness, because I am going to the Father
and you will no longer see me;
condemnation, because the ruler of this world has been condemned.”
Reflection:
Jesus said to his disciples:
“Now I am going to the one who sent me,
and not one of you asks me, ‘Where are you going?’
But because I told you this, grief has filled your hearts.”
The apostles took their sense of security and well being from Christ’s physical presence. They were so grief stricken by Christ’s announcement that he was going to be leaving them that they didn’t even inquire where he was going.
“For if I do not go, the Advocate will not come to you.
But if I go, I will send him to you.”
In today’s powerful gospel, Saint John enlightens our hearts so we may perceive the work of the “Advocate,” the Holy Spirit.
Jesus knew that if he remained confined to his body, his ability to do the work of the Father would be limited. He had to go so that he could send the Holy Spirit into the world to touch the hearts of people everywhere.
“And when he comes he will convict the world
in regard to sin and righteousness and condemnation:”
Jesus is telling the apostles the Holy Spirit, not limited by physical restraints, will move throughout “the world” to bring understanding to the hearts of men and women. It is through the inspiration of the Holy Spirt that we are able to discern what is morally right and wrong. Through our conscience, the Holy Spirit “will convict” us, in other words will convince us of the right path.
The Holy Spirit is constantly at work touching our hearts. We can recognize his presence in those moments when we are tempted to sin. He speaks through our conscience urging us to choose the Godly path.
We feel Him at work in our heart, moving us to compassion at the suffering of another person. Yet, although he touches us with His urgings, God has in His graciousness, still given us free will to decide which path we will follow.
“Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth your spirit and they shall be created. And you shall renew the face of the earth.”