Today’s Reflection
Gospel: Jn 16: 5-11
May 16, 2023 | Tuesday

Today’s Gospel

But now I am going to the One who sent me, and none of you asks me where I am going; instead you are overcome with grief, because of what I have said.

Believe me, it is better for you that I go away, because as long as I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go away, I will send him to you, and when he comes, he will vindicate the truth before a sinful world; and he will vindicate the paths of righteousness and justice. What is the world’s sin, in regard to me? Disbelief.

What is the path of righteousness? It is the path I walk, by which I go to the Father; and you shall see me no more. What is the path of justice? It is the path on which the prince of this world will always stand condemned.

Today, as the time for Jesus’ ascension and the coming of the Holy Spirit draws near, Jesus begins to prepare His disciples for his leave-taking. Today’s Gospel begins in the middle of the conversation that Jesus was having with His disciples. He tells His followers that He is going to the “One who sent Him.” Jesus knew that His disciples were struggling with the reality of having to let Him go. They had been with him for a long time, and they depended on Him. What would they do without Jesus? They even left their homes and families to follow Him. The thought of Jesus no longer being with them was more than they could grasp or imagine. Jesus quickly reassures them that despite His absence, He promises never to leave them alone. He tells them that he will send the Advocate to them. Jesus tells them that it is only through His leaving that the Spirit will come to them.

Today may we thank Jesus for His faithful love and presence in our lives! It is so easy to take this great gift for granted. May we have open eyes and hearts for the coming of Jesus into our lives today. Be awake and alert! He will come! More accurately: he is already with us! /Vulnerasti, 2023