A reading from the holy gospel according to John 16:5-11:
5 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?’
6 But because I told you this, grief has filled your hearts.
7 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.
8 And when he comes he will convict the world in regard to sin and righteousness and condemnation:
9 sin, because they do not believe in me;
10 righteousness, because I am going to the Father and you will no longer see me;
11 condemnation, because the ruler of this world has been condemned.”
Reflection: Sin, righteousness and condemnation
Some people deny the existence of the devil. Yet there is no denial that life on earth is a constant struggle between the influence of God and the forces that oppose Him. That is why the people of God on earth are called the church militant. We wage war every day. Every moment is a choice either to do good or do the opposite and many times we lost the battle.
Yes we are sinful but God is righteous. On the cross, God’s mercy and justice are both in full display. Through the suffering and death of Jesus, we have been redeemed and the prince of sin has been condemned. The victory is not yet complete though but the resurrection gives us hope that one day, the sweet smell of total triumph will be ours when God is all in all (1 Corinthians 15:28).
It is not easy to live a life of holiness in a world full of temptation. Yet, we are hopeful. Each time we fall, we look up to the cross and ask for God’s mercy. Each time we feel guilty, we remember how Jesus paid for our redemption with His blood. Each time we feel weak and lost, we ask our Helper, our Comforter, our Advocate, the Holy Spirit to strengthen us and to guide us to find our way back to Jesus.
Prayer:
My Jesus, I deserve to be condemned for I am unrighteous. Yet you love me and shed your blood for my redemption. Here I am now with my heart open to receive you. Forgive all my sins Lord. I ask for the grace to be renewed by the power of your Holy Spirit. Amen.
