In the first reading from Acts there was an eloquent man who was speaking on behalf of Jesus, refuting the Jews and establishing the idea that Jesus is the Christ. He is a great speaker and many listen to him and believe his words, but he does not have the latest information. When he is better informed about the way of God, he is even more effective because now he has more and better understanding.
In the Gospel Jesus gives the disciples the most up-to-date information. He tells them that he has previously spoken in parables and figures of speech, but now they need the real scoop in no uncertain terms. He won’t be right here to tell symbolic stories, but if they need help and ask for it, he will help them. He has told them before to pray directly to God, but now he says he will be going back to God and they can ask for what they need in Jesus’ name.
Jesus wants his disciples to know that even though he won’t be here on earth with them, even though he won’t be here to teach and explain, that he is not abandoning them. He wants them to know that when they need something they can ask in his name, and he will be with God and can answer them. He wants us to know that even though he isn’t here on earth with us, he is still available to us. Like Apollos in Ephesus from the first reading, we now have the latest information about who Jesus is and how he will help us. And if we ask in Jesus’ name, we will receive.
Tamora Whitney
I teach in the English department. I teach composition and literature and Critical Issues -- a class that has a component on Jesuit values.
I like writing these reflections because it makes me think more deeply about the scripture and think about how to integrate the ideas into my own life and how to share these ideas with others.
