REFLECTIONS TODAY
In John, “sin” refers to the unbelief that Jesus encounters among the Jews; they do not believe in him. They reject his mission of “righteousness,” that is, of proclaiming God’s saving plan for men and women. This message includes judgment or “condemnation” of the demonic forces that prevent human beings from turning to God through Jesus. It is the Holy Spirit who will defend and clarify the dignity and mission of Jesus. Once given to the disciples as the gift of the risen Christ, the Spirit will convince the world that Jesus is not a pretender but really is the Messiah and Son of God; that he reconciles humanity with God by his passion, death, and resurrection, and that his victory spells defeat and judgment of Satan. Hence the claims of Jesus are not preposterous; they are the truth. Therefore, Jesus is worthy of belief. To insist in one’s unbelief is to reject the source of salvation.
Gospel • John 16:5-11
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?’ 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.” *Source: “365 Days with the Lord 2023,” St. Paul’s, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 632-895-9701; Fax 632-895-7328; E-mail: [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected]); Website: [http://www.stpauls.ph](http://www.stpauls.ph).*