Coming of the Advocate

Today's Reflections

Coming of the Advocate

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Jn 16:5-11

[Jesus said to his disciples,] 5“Now I am going to the one who sent me, and not one of you asks me, ‘Where are you going?’ 6But because I told you this, grief has filled your hearts. 7But 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. 8And when he comes he will convict the world in regard to sin and righteousness and condemnation: 9sin, because they do not believe in me; 10righteousness, because I am going to the Father and you will no longer see me; 11condemnation, because the ruler of this world has been condemned.”

Reflection:

It is better for you that I go. In the mysterious plan of God, Jesus must first go back to the Father so that the Paraclete may come. Hence, it is better for Christ to return to the Father so that he may send the Paraclete. Actually, the presence of Christ will not be taken away from the disciples. He will continue to be present through his Spirit, the Paraclete. When he comes, he will prove the world wrong regarding sin, righteousness, and condemnation. And indeed, how strange that people came to be converted by the thousands after Christ’s ascension and after the descent of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost. On Pentecost day, three thousand expressed repentance and submitted to baptism (Acts 2:37-41).

For effective evangelization,

let us call upon the Holy Spirit who touches hearts

while we appeal to sight and hearing.