Word to the Wise
Tuesday, May 16, 2023 - 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." [John]
These lines from the Last Supper discourse are a sign that the evangelist used more than one tradition of Jesus' words in composing this part of the discourse. Earlier, the disciples did indeed ask Jesus where he is going! [14:5]. The "sending of the Advocate" in this gospel will take place during one of Jesus' post-resurrection appearances to the disciples in the Upper Room {20:22-23), in contrast to the account in Acts 2:1-4. What is important is the sequence of Jesus' life, death, resurrection, ascension and the giving/sending of the Holy Spirit. Both the account from Acts and the one from John will be read on Pentecost Sunday, which will be Memorial Day weekend this year!
We who hear these accounts year after year are challenged to remember that sequence of events. They are the story of God's love for us. He has not "left us orphans" [John 14:18] but continues his providential care through his trinitarian presence as the Holy Spirit in our individual hearts and minds and in the church as a whole. The gospel and epistle writers were motivated by the same faith we have to tell the story. It's our turn now. AMEN