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.” (John 16:5-11)

In today’s Gospel, Jesus tells us that he will send the Advocate after he goes to the Father. His disciples were grieved to hear that their Lord would be leaving them on earth, seemingly alone. Jesus assures them that it is necessary that he go to the Father, not only so that God could be glorified and we could know that Jesus was truly the Son of God, but also so that he could send the Holy Spirit to us. The cornerstone of our faith is the Resurrection of Christ and his divinity. If he had stayed on earth, he would have been only a man and a prophet, not the Son of God. He could not remain with us in the flesh for long, and it was necessary that he complete his mission on earth according to the Father’s will. 

However, like the Apostles, we should not be grieved or feel alone, because Jesus never abandoned us, though he did not remain present in the flesh. He sent us the Holy Spirit, aptly called the Advocate, to assist us in our continuation of his mission. We can draw upon the presence of the Holy Spirit in order to find the proper means to spread the Good News, rest in this Spirit for comfort, ask the Spirit’s assistance with illuminating our minds, and turn to the Holy Spirit for help with innumerable other issues. We can call on the Holy Spirit at any time for any need. God will never abandon us, though we may not recognize that He is always present. We often think of our Father in heaven or Jesus on earth, but we forget that the Holy Spirit is an ever-present entity in our lives.  

Remember to keep in constant contact with the Holy Spirit. Practice having an ongoing conversation with God. If you are having trouble understanding Scripture, turn to the Holy Spirit. If you do not have the words to properly evangelize, turn to the Holy Spirit. If you need motivation for a task, turn to the Holy Spirit. If you need help knowing how to overcome life’s troubles, turn to the Holy Spirit. There is always an Advocate present for you, if only you take the time to ask for assistance.  

Copyright 2022 Jessica Tucker