photo january 2006

 

Destinations

Jn 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.”

The destination of Jesus is the place and source of salvation for the world. The Advocate is the Holy Spirit that will come to the people after Jesus has returned to the Father. The Holy Spirit is more than a concept but is a presence of God alive in the hearts, minds and bodies of the faithful of the Church. The Spirit gives courage, wisdom and the flame of passion in the love of God that endures all hardships.

The loss of Jesus with the Ascension is followed by the gain of the new Church of the presence of the Holy Spirit that is sent to lead and console and preserve the love of the eternal. The journey in this world is a pilgrimmage to God our final destination.

Pentecost is a powerful time of the start of the Church. The witness of the members of the Church is alive today, and vital to the carrying of the message of God's love and the enkindling of that love within as a part of the body of Church. The love of God means to me a willingness to leave behind any selfish or self centered ways to follow the way of Christ in all things with an open heart and giving nature.

The time of the loss of Jesus is filled with a gaining of the gift of the Holy Spirit. God does not leave us comfortless. I pray this day for the Church and that what I do may be a building up of the Church of Chirst and loving in all my acts. It is less than 2 weeks until Pentecost now.