Reflection
John 16: 5-11
Today’s gospel is short in length but rich in significance. It is foundational in understanding the transition from Jesus’ earthly ministry to what would follow – the life of the Church under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. This is a key moment in salvation history. Jesus tells the disciples that he will be leaving them. One can feel their grief in this news. Jesus however, takes this sorrow and redirects it as being necessary for what will follow – the coming of the “advocate”. He comforts them in telling them that it is better for them that he leaves them. The advocate (Holy Spirit) will bring in a new era in which several things will happen.
First he will convict (expose) the sin of the world, most notably in rejecting Jesus as Messiah. Then in righteousness in his returning to the father. And finally in condemnation in the “ruler of the world” (Satan) is both condemned and defeated in Christ’s sacrifice on the cross and resurrection.
This transition from the earthly ministry of Jesus to the birth of the Church is of course a major theme of the Easter season. We see this in the readings from Acts, featured all through the Easter season. Beginning with the Ascension and then Pentecost – the descent of the Holy Spirit (the “advocate” from today’s gospel), we see the apostles totally transformed from timid followers in hiding to fearlessly proclaiming the gospel to the world and forever changing the course of human history. We see the conversion of Paul and his missionary journeys. We see the early Church catching fire and taking form. In today’s gospel Jesus prepares his apostles for their upcoming crucial role in establishing his church, which through the centuries to this day will guide the faithful to himself. They will soon truly become the “fishers of men” that Jesus called them to that fateful day in Capernaum.
Question for reflection
How can I bring the power of the Holy Spirit infused into the apostles to my role as a Catholic Christian serving Jesus today?