Faithful love

May 24, Tuesday, Sixth Week of Easter
Readings: Acts 16:22-34; John 16: 5-11

Jesus tells his disciples that he would send them an Advocate, but he also assures them that he will be with them at all times.

Today, we are presented with a deeper understanding of the reality of the Ascension of Jesus. He tells his disciples, "It is better for you that I go." If I do not go, the Advocate will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you."

Jesus knew that his disciples were struggling with the reality of having to let him go. The thought of Jesus no longer being with them was more than they could grasp or imagine.

The disciples could not imagine their lives without Jesus. They had left their homes and families to follow him. They had been with him for three years. He was their leader and teacher. What would they do if he was no longer with them?

Jesus quickly reassures them. True, he will no longer be with them. However, he promises never to leave them alone.

He tells them that he will send the Advocate to them. Jesus tells them that it will be better for them if he does leave them. If he stays with them, the Spirit will come to them.

What would you lose if Jesus was not present to you? How would his absence affect you?

It can become easy to take Jesus’ presence with us for granted. Yet he promises that he will always be with us. But let us reflect on how our lives would be different if Jesus were not present with us.

Let us thank Jesus for his unfailing love and constant presence in our lives. And let us pray for eyes and hearts that are open to the arrival of Christ in our lives today.