11/05/2026
I will send to you the Spirit of truth, says the Lord; he will guide you to all truth.
Gospel of the Lord
John 16:5-11
But now I am going to him who sent me; yet none of you asks me, `Where are you going?'
But because I have said these things to you, sorrow has filled your hearts.
Nevertheless I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Counselor will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you.
And when he comes, he will convince the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment:
concerning sin, because they do not believe in me;
concerning righteousness, because I go to the Father, and you will see me no more;
concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged.
Reflection
Grief is a universal human experience, and Jesus directly addressed it with His disciples. When He announced His departure, He saw that “grief has filled your hearts.” Their sorrow was natural—they were losing their closest companion, who had revealed God's pure love.
With empathy, Jesus offered not dismissal, but a greater promise: “it is better for you that I go. For if I do not go, the Advocate will not come to you.” This mystery unfolded after the Resurrection and Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit came, and they realized Christ now lived within them.
This models our spiritual journey. In loss and confusion, we trust, as St. Paul says, that “all things work for good for those who love God” (Rom 8:28). Through His Cross, Christ transformed suffering, showing God's power brings good from pain.
This belief anchors hope. Faith trusts God redeems sorrow; hope draws us forward. By opening to the Holy Spirit in prayer and surrender, what feels like departure becomes God's path to deeper, permanent union with Him.
Prayer
God of infinite wisdom, I trust that all works for good for those who love You. In pain and sorrow, grant me hope. Holy Spirit, reside in me, guiding all experiences to Your intended good.
Jesus, I trust in You.
AMEN
