Gospel: John 16:5-11
But now I am going to the One who sent me, and none of you asks me where I am going; instead you are overcome with grief, because of what I have said.Believe me, it is better for you that I go away, because as long as I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go away, I will send him to you, and when he comes, he will vindicate the truth before a sinful world; and he will vindicate the paths of righteousness and justice.What is the world’s sin, in regard to me? Disbelief. What is the path of righteousness? It is the path I walk, by which I go to the Father; and you shall see me no more. What is the path of justice? It is the path on which the prince of this world will always stand condemned.

Reflections
“He will vindicate the truth before a sinful world.”Jesus convinces the disciples of the significance of his ascen- sion. He has to go back to the Father. They must readily admit that there is an end to every- thing, even the good one, in- cluding his being with them as the teacher.Jesus presents his logic on what happens if he does not return to heaven. The Helper, the Holy Spirit, may not come to them. He will not leave the Father, unless Jesus goes back to the Father, after his mission is ac- complished. It is the turn of the Holy Spirit to do his job for the disciples as they will be engaged with the world.The work of the Holy Spirit will be tough. He will vindicate the truth (the teachings of Je- sus). He will convict the sinful world which does not accept redemption from Jesus. Jesus identifies the great sin of the world which is their disbelief. There is a grave consequence for not believing in Jesus. There is condemnation.Do you sense the Holy Spirit is mentoring you to believe in Jesus and to choose the path of righteousness? Better stay at the side of Jesus.
© Copyright Bible Diary 2019