Fullness of Christ – Reflection on John 16:5-11
When we hear the word advocate, we think of someone who can help represent our voice and support us. Our advocate, the Holy Spirit that consoles and helps us, can also expose the rawness of our participation “in the world” if we are willing. The soul-oriented internal unmasking of our sins and transgressions is exceptionally uncomfortable. This is a path that John of the Cross speaks of as the Dark Night of the Soul. Enduring this entire process is not for everyone. However, even if we partially allow the Holy Spirit to help us spiritually correct our internal self, we become, as Christ describes, “as a child.” Once this process is in motion, we can begin to understand the previously hidden wrongs we have done and move toward righteousness and perfection. The benefit of this truth comes with the positive effect of knowing the Holy Spirit places us in the divine embrace of the fullness of Christ.
The Exhortation to the Apostles, by James Tissot (full resolution image of painting).
More details are available on the Brooklyn Museum website.
Additional Eastertide Reflections
John 16:5-11 – Scripture*
The Work of the Spirit
“I did not say these things to you from the beginning, because I was with you. 5 But now I am going to him who sent me; yet none of you asks me, ‘Where are you going?’ 6 But because I have said these things to you, sorrow has filled your hearts. 7 Nevertheless I tell you the truth: 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. 8 And when he comes, he will prove the world wrong about sin and righteousness and judgment: 9 about sin, because they do not believe in me; 10 about righteousness, because I am going to the Father and you will see me no longer; 11 about judgment, because the ruler of this world has been condemned.
Additional Thoughts
Thank you for meditating on this Gospel and reading this Lectio Divina on John 16:5-11 Reflection – The Fullness of Christ.
Would you like to contribute related thoughts to these Lectio reflections on the Gospel readings? Since Lectio is not the only contemplative prayer style, others might appreciate these types of expressions in this ministry. Do you see God’s grandeur everywhere and unconditionally enjoy sharing the love of Christ that you have inside? Are you willing to be anonymous in what you would share? If so, email me.
Prayer for young families:
Lord, let the young families of our communities experience your joy, peace, comfort, and love despite worldly distractions.
Attributions
*This site has permission to use the New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (NRSVCE) Bible John 16 passage.
The Immersive Prayer website follows the guidelines for image web use at the Brooklyn Museum and the Jewish Museum websites.
Primary Lectio Divina word or phrase: Fullness of Christ
Page and discussion group on these Lectio Divina daily Gospel Readings.
Discussion group on St. John of the Cross.