It
is better for you that I go.
If
I do not go, the Advocate will not come to you.
But
if I go, I will send him to you.
These
words are part of Jesus' farewell to his disciples.
The
Feast of the Ascension is coming up this Thursday <we'll celebrate
Sunday>.
And
these words sound like something he might say there on the mountain.
As
he begins his ascent to Heaven.
But
these words were spoken earlier.
As
he's about to enter into his Passion.
Yes,
this is the start of his trip back to the Father.
And
it won't be an easy trip.
He's
going by Way of the Cross.
His
statement of If I do not go
still carried some possibility and attraction for him.
He
knew how painful the going would be.
But
he also knew the Father.
He
also knew Heaven.
He
knew what ultimately awaited him.
And
he knew it was worth the suffering.
His
suffering would not only return him to the Father.
It
would also complete his mission.
His
mission of opening the way for all of his friends to follow him.
He
wasn't thinking primarily of himself.
It
was for us that he came.
And
now, it was better for us
that he went.
Our
most immediate benefit would be his sending the Advocate.
He
would send his Holy Spirit—the Spirit of God—to take his place.
This
coming Sunday we commemorate and celebrate the Ascension.
Jesus'
final departure as a distinct human person here on earth.
The
following Sunday we celebrate Pentecost.
The
return of his Holy Spirit to dwell with us, to dwell within each of
us.
Until
the end of time.
Today's
Gospel passage deserves some reflection, or meditation or
contemplation.
How
often do we acknowledge and appreciate the Spirit's presence within
ourselves?
How
often do we acknowledge and appreciate the Spirit's presence in
everyone else?
Tuesday 6th Week of Easter
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