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 peace of the Lord be with you.
Today we see how Jesus prepares his followers for his passing from this world to the next. As he dos so, he validates and normalizes their grief. He tells them and us that this grief will be followed by joy as the burdens they carry will be lifted as the one who oppresses will be taken from power. The oppressor will be replaced by the gift of the Holy Spirit who is the invisible presence of God who will once again restore our ability to hear and respond to the voice of God.
In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.