Word to the Wise
Tuesday, May 27, 2014 - 6th Week of Easter - Tues
[Acts 16:22-34 and John 16:5-11]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.
Inspiration can come to an artist from many different sources. These sources may not always be consistent with one another! One story may be created from many others and the resulting "unity" can be overlapping or even self-contradictory. Our artist, John the Evangelist, challenges us today in that way! Earlier in our exhibit, there was a "painting" in which Simon Peter questions Jesus, "Master, where are you going?" [13:36]. Today Jesus seems to forget that! In the first instance, however, the emphasis was on "following Jesus" and today it is on the link between Jesus' return to the Father and the coming of the "Advocate" [the Holy Spirit].
The disciples show grief but Jesus tries to console them with the promise of the Spirit. Our own experiences with the departure or death of a loved one may come back to us, especially if we experienced a kind of "vigil" in which we anticipated that departure and could not find words to express how we felt. Handkerchiefs and tissue are passed around, throats are cleared and brave faces are attempted. Any explanations of the reason for the departure have a tough time getting through the emotional noise of the grief! We will only appreciate those explanations at a later date, which is what happened with Jesus' disciples. We can give thanks to our artist, John the Evangelist, for making it possible for us to share their grief as well as the hope promised by Jesus in sending the Advocate. AMEN