The disciples were grief-stricken when faced with the hard truth of Jesus’ imminent death. Jesus acknowledges their grief and reminds them he is not leaving them alone.
5 But now I am going to him who sent me, yet none of you asks me, ‘Where are you going?’ 6 But because I have said these things to you, sorrow has filled your hearts. 7 Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Advocate will not come to you, but if I go, I will send him to you. John 16:5-7 NRSVUE
This Trinity Sunday, we celebrate our union and relationship with the Father, Son, and Spirit. In this passage, Jesus is comforting the disciples (and us) by explaining that even though he will be ascending to the Father, they will never be alone, thanks to the Holy Spirit who would continue to speak God’s comfort and provide them wise counsel.
The Holy Spirit enlarges our understanding of the triune God and helps us live out and participate in God’s love for the world. We can trust the kind and loving communication of the Holy Spirit to guide our efforts to share God’s grace with those we interact with, and we can follow the Spirit’s lead to help us discern how to express God’s love in the most appropriate ways.
Prayer:
Thank you, God, for including us in your love and union. Father, we’re grateful that you sent your Son. Jesus, we’re grateful for your obedience to the Father and for sending us your Spirit. Spirit, we’re grateful for your advocacy and counsel. We love you. Amen.
Adapted from a 2022 sermon resource.
