Gospel 

John 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

The disciples had learned to lean on the presence of Jesus as their teacher. And he's now telling them that he's going to leave them, and they're distraught and worried and afraid. And what he reminds them is that his promise has always been to be with them, and he will be with him as the Holy Spirit. The third person of the Blessed Trinity.

And the most exciting thing that he's saying to his disciples, is that now that Jesus has died and returned to the father and sent the advocate, the Holy Spirit, sin has been condemned. Exposed. Revealed. And we are much closer now than ever to the Kingdom of God being established.

Closing Prayer

Father, there's a way in which we hear so much about all that is going on in the world that is negative. And it's easy to fear that the world is getting worse when in truth it is getting better. It is continuing to move in the direction of light and life. That's the promise that God has made to the disciples and to each of us. And we ask this in Jesus’ name, Amen.

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