Gospel Reading: 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
It is better for you that I go
In reaction to these words, the disciples may very well say, “No, Lord, you should not go. We need you. There is no other guy like you.” But they are quiet. They may have an inkling of the reasons for his departure. If he does not ascend into heaven, the Holy Spirit will not come down to them. It is for their benefit as disciples. They can do more and go farther if Jesus leaves. In fact, they will go forth to the ends of the earth.
Unless we bring trouble to others, we are not likely to say, “It is better for you if I go.” We think we are indispensable. No one can ever take our place.
Jesus reminds that there is a time to say good-bye to our families and to our Church. It is not true that without us the world will collapse. Christians should not make this false claim.
The Holy Spirit works also in others. What we fail to accomplish now, like convicting the world for its unbelief, may be accomplished by someone who is more open to the inspiration of the Spirit.
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It is better for the Church if we let go of our selfish preoccupations.
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SOURCE: “365 Days with the Lord 2016,” ST. PAULS Philippines, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 895-9701; Fax 895-7328; E-mail: [email protected]; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.
