5/12/2026 (Tuesday) Today’s Gospel reading: John 16:5-11

5 Jesus said to his disciples: “Now I go to him that sent me, and none of you asks me: Where are you going?
6 But because I have spoken these things to you, sorrow has filled your hearts.
7 But I tell you the truth: it is expedient to you that I go: for if I do not go, the Paraclete 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 of sin, and of justice, and of judgment.
9 Of sin: because they believed not in me.
10 And of justice: because I go to the Father; and you shall see me no longer.
11 And of judgment: because the prince of this world is already judged.

5/12/2026 (Tuesday) Today’s Gospel reflection / homily / sermon: John 16:5-11

In this Gospel reading, Jesus continue to talk honestly about His coming departure. His disciples are filled with confusion and sorrow, struggling to understand why He must leave. Yet Jesus gently reveals a deeper truth: His going is not a loss, but a transition that will open the way for something greater: the coming of the Spirit who will guide, correct, and reveal truth to the world. What feels like an ending is actually the beginning of a new kind of presence.

For us, this message speaks powerfully to moments of change and uncertainty. There are times in life when something we hold onto is taken away like a relationship shifts, a plan fails, a door closes and our first reaction is grief or resistance. Like the disciples, we focus on what we are losing rather than what God may be preparing. But this passage reminds us that God’s work often unfolds beyond our immediate understanding. What feels like absence may actually be preparation for a deeper experience of His presence.

Jesus introduces the role of the Spirit as one who brings clarity to the human heart. The Spirit gently exposes what is not aligned with truth, not to condemn, but to lead us toward growth and transformation. This is an invitation to honesty. We are called to examine our lives, not with fear, but with openness. Where are we resisting truth? Where are we holding onto habits or attitudes that prevent us from becoming who we are meant to be? Growth begins when we allow the Spirit to guide us, even when it challenges us.

The Spirit also leads us into a deeper understanding of what is right. In a world where values can easily become blurred, we need a steady source of truth. The Spirit does not merely give information; He shapes our conscience, helping us discern what truly matters. This guidance becomes especially important when we face decisions that test our integrity. Instead of relying solely on our own judgment, we learn to listen, to pause, to reflect, and to choose what aligns with God’s will.

Another important aspect of this passage is the assurance that falsehood and darkness do not have the final word. Though there may be confusion and opposition in the world, truth ultimately prevails. This gives us hope. We are reminded that living in truth is never wasted, even if it seems unnoticed or unappreciated. Every act of honesty, every step of faith, every choice for what is right contributes to a greater victory that God is already bringing about.

For individuals, this message is an invitation to trust in God’s timing and to remain open to the Spirit’s work within. It encourages us to move beyond fear of change and to embrace growth with courage. Even when we do not see the full picture, we can walk forward with confidence, knowing that we are being led.

Ultimately, this passage calls us to a deeper faith that trusts not only in what we can see, but in what God is doing behind the scenes. It reminds us that we are not abandoned in moments of transition. Instead, we are accompanied, guided, and continually shaped by the presence of the Holy Spirit that leads us toward truth, renewal, and lasting hope.

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