John 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.”

Opening Prayer: Heavenly Father, fill my heart with your peace. Increase my faith, knowing that you will never leave me or abandon me. I am your child precious in your sight. Come Holy Spirit, fill my heart and kindle in me the fire of your love!

Encountering Christ:

1.  Grieving Hearts: How hard it is to say goodbye to those we love! The disciples had given up everything to follow Jesus and now he was saying goodbye. They must have been brokenhearted. So many times, emotion blinds us from the goodness and grace Our Lord wishes to pour out upon us. Let us be not afraid when trials come our way, or completely overwhelmed by grief when sorrows hit, but rather be hopeful, for we know where Jesus went, where he is now, and where we would like to be some day.

2. The Advocate: Jesus promised us a great Counselor, the sweet guest of our soul— the Holy Spirit. Let us cling to the Holy Spirit, calling upon the graces from our confirmation. We need to rely on the gifts and the fruits that we received from the Holy Spirit to live as beloved sons and daughters of the Father and proclaim Christ to the world.

3. Go: When we lose loved ones, we naturally want to keep their memory alive. Our faith tells us they are not far from us, separated by a thin veil between heaven and earth. “On this mountain he will destroy the veil that veils all peoples, the web that is woven over all nations” (Isaiah 25:7). Our faith also tells us that the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit abide in us! While eyes may not see and ears may not hear, we are never alone. What a consolation his accompaniment can be to our grieving hearts. 

Conversing with Christ: Lord, increase my faith, increase my hope, increase my love! Help me stay sober, awake, and alert knowing you are here with me. Open my heart to receive you and enlighten me on how I can use the gifts and fruits you have so generously poured out upon me. I love you!

Resolution: Lord, today by your grace I will list the gifts and fruits of the Holy Spirit and strive to more concretely make use of them.

For Further Reflection: The Sanctifier, by Luis Martinez.