From the Gospel acclamation: “I came from the Father and have come into the world; now I am leaving the world and going back to the Father.”
A reading from the holy Gospel according to John (Jn 16:23b-28)
“I have told you this in figures of speech. The hour is coming when I will no longer speak to you in figures but I will tell you clearly about the Father. On that day you will ask in my name, and I do not tell you that I will ask the Father for you. For the Father himself loves you, because you have loved me and have come to believe that I came from God.”
Jesus reveals to the disciples the unity of the Father and the Son. So that their joy may be complete, Jesus tells them, “Whatever you ask the Father in my name he will give you.” Jesus makes clear the love between the Father and the Son; clearer still will the Advocate make known to them the love among the persons of the Trinity. “On that day you will ask in my name,” Jesus says, “and I do not tell you that I will ask the Father for you. For the Father himself loves you, because you have loved me and have come to believe that I came from God.” From the Father Jesus came into the world, and from the world he returns to the right hand of the Father. In following him, Jesus invites us to be partakers in the divine nature of the Father.
Father in heaven, help me understand what it means to be in union with you through the saving grace of Jesus your Son and the Holy Spirit. Alone I can do nothing. Make clear to me today what your will is even in the midst of the trials of the world. True God and true man, Jesus returned to you from the world, giving to all who believe in him and ask anything in his name the way to eternal life. Spirit of truth, teach me your paths!
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.