Jesus said to his
disciples: "But 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." (John
16:5-11)
Introductory Prayer: Lord, as I begin this
prayer I offer you my whole self: my thoughts, desires, decisions, actions,
hopes, fears, weaknesses, failures and petty successes. I open my entire being
to you, aware that you know everything already. I’m certain of your mercy and
of the purifying power of your penetrating, loving gaze.
Petition: Lord, help me to
experience the joy and consolation of the Spirit.
1. Sadness at Jesus’
Parting: As
Jesus’ imminent self-sacrifice approaches, the apostles are overwhelmed with
confusion and grief. “Who is going to betray him?” “Why is he going?” “What
will we do without him?” Questions like these — fruit of their concern for
their Master and friend — are whispered to and fro. They have given up
everything to follow him. Jesus strives to console them although he is immersed
in grief himself. Sorrow is not lacking in the life of any pilgrim, and as
Christians we are exiles in a foreign land. Our joy and hope comes from the
vision of faith, which enables us to follow in the footsteps of Our Lord. His
sacrifice and victory give meaning to our daily trials.
2. The Consoler’s
Coming: We
are called to an intimate friendship with the Holy Spirit, the “Sweet Guest of
the Soul.” Jesus breathed the Holy Spirit upon us at our baptism to be the
craftsman of our holiness, and our consolation and strength as we await
Christ’s return. No one would wish to face a criminal trial alone and unaided;
nor should we try to face the ordeal against sin without the help of Christ’s
advocate. Am I aware of the gentle presence of the Holy Spirit in my soul? Am I
attentive and docile to his inspirations and movements?
3. Setting Things
Right: Nothing
is so unsettling as to see the “bad guy” win. Whether it be in the movies or in
real life, somehow it seems written in the very fabric of the universe that
good should prevail. Many times evil has appeared to usurp the upper hand momentarily,
but a Higher Power has always intervened, causing one tyranny and dictatorship
after another to crumble. In our own day, evils abound in societies where the
lives of the most vulnerable are greatly undervalued. Christ reminds us,
however, that the Holy Spirit is at work. Time and again the Holy Spirit
continues renewing the face of the earth and changing hearts, bringing good out
of evil. Am I too pessimistic in the face of evil, or do I have the optimism of
a Christian? Do I confide in the grace and action of the Holy Spirit?
Conversation with
Christ: Lord
Jesus, you have left us to go to the Father and yet you are still with us
through the action of your Holy Spirit. Help me to find strength and
consolation as I strive to follow his guidance.
Resolution: I
will take a moment out of my day today to thank the Holy Spirit for his action
in the world and in my life.
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