Above: The death of St Dominic, in the convent of San Esteban in Salamanca, Spain. Photo by Father Lawrence Lew, O.P.
Today’s Gospel (John 16:5-11) is taken from what is known as Jesus’ Farewell Discourse. Jesus states, “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.” Jesus reveals this to his disciples before his passion and death. The apostles have not yet experienced his resurrection.
The farewell that we experience in someone’s death can be very painful. Yet the Church reminds us during the funeral liturgy that “life has changed, not ended.” The Church has given us this gospel passage as we prepare for our Lord’s ascension. Jesus speaks further, “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.” He is not leaving us orphans; he is sending the Holy Spirit to us.
As St. Dominic lay dying, the brothers around him were weeping. He, too, had a type of farewell discourse in which he made a promise. The prayer, O Spem Miram, states, “O wondrous hope that you did give at the hour of death to those who mourned you, when you did promise to help them even after death. Father, keep your word, and aid us by your prayers.”
As we prepare for the glorious feast of the Ascension and the subsequent feast of Pentecost, may we have an increase in the virtues of faith, hope and love, that we may experience the help that our Lord provides us in the Scriptures and in the Sacraments and in the wonderful example he gives us in the lives of the saints.
Father and leader of our holy order, St. Dominic, Pray for us!
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