The Holy Martyr Theodotus of Ancyra (284-305); Holy Martyrs Peter, Dionysius and Those with Them; the Seven Holy Virgins
Acts 21:26-32; John 16:2-13
Read John 16:2-13
It is always bittersweet the last time we sing “Christ is Risen” before Ascension Thursday. Last week, we entered into this period between Ascension and Pentecost where we now eagerly await the commemoration of the Descent of the Holy Spirit. In today’s Gospel reading, Christ tells us: “It is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you.” Although it is sad to think about the loss of the more intimate presence of our resurrected Lord, we must remember that He is always with us, “to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20). Towards the end of today’s reading Jesus adds: “I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. When the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all the truth.” There were things that Christ could not say to His disciples because they were not ready to receive them. Likewise in our own spiritual lives, we progress gradually as we learn and mature. With our initiation into the Church, we were bestowed with the Gift of the Holy Spirit Who dwells within us while at the same time “is everywhere present and fills all things.” Just as the Holy Spirit was sent to reveal what Christ at that time could not yet say to His disciples, He guides us today into all truth.