The Gospel for Tuesday of the sixth week of Easter is taken from John, 16th chapter, fifth through 11th verse. Jesus said to his disciples, now I am going to the one who sent me. And not one of you asked 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. We see in this passage something that is very human.

The disciples have been told that Jesus is leaving. They didn’t expect that to happen. And they were completely filled with grief. And I’m sure they were thinking primarily about what’s going to happen to us, what’s going to happen to this message. And what he’s again reminding them is that there is a truth that the world will not see and has not seen yet. And they are the ones to bring that into the world.

And he’s not telling them. They have to figure it all out. They have to know it now. No, he’s saying that this will be something you will grow into. And as you understand, you will bring those into greater understanding. The closing prayer Father, there will always be voices that will contradict everything that you’re teaching us.

We pray always for the wisdom to see clearly what you are to us and how you have done so much for us. Help us never to waver in our appreciation, our thankfulness for your message. And we ask this in Jesus name, Amen.