In my work as a Montessori teacher, the most challenging parts for the children during the school year and individual days were the times of transition. Change can be difficult. But if you take time to prepare the children, to say a few words of what is going to happen, even to practice it before it happens, the transitions can go more smoothly even if they don't fully understand or get it the first time.
In today's Gospel, Jesus prepares His Apostles for what is about to happen. They don't fully understand and they are filled with grief, but He is getting them ready for the important transition that will happen soon. He will be physically leaving them and returning to the Father, but He will also be sending His Holy Spirit.
Sometimes we may not understand how God is leading us and how He is preparing us through the changes and transitions in our lives. But with the gift of the Spirit we can proclaim with confidence along with the Psalmist:
"The LORD will complete what he has done for me;
your kindness, O LORD, endures forever" (Psalm 138:8).
What a gift that God gives us the Spirit as our Advocate, meaning "one who speaks on our defense." We have One Who comes to our aid, Who speaks on our behalf, Who is our defense. Even if we don't fully understand what God is doing in our lives, if we are in pain or grief or challenge, the Spirit is our Comforter and guide throughout these changes and transitions and all the times that maybe do not yet fully make sense to us right now.
Come, Holy Spirit. Prepare our hearts. Make us ready to leave behind all that does not serve us and bring us back to the Father. Thank You, Jesus, for preparing us and sending us Your Spirit. May we, as Your children, listen and be attentive to follow Your voice as we let go, accept, and bravely move into new spaces of life and freedom in You.
Looking for a new novena? Pray this one to the Blessed Trinity.
Mary Catherine Craige enjoys spending her time writing, making music and learning about life from her experiences of learning to surf. As a life coach, she supports women specifically in times of transition to discover who they truly are and to design their life using their gifts and talents to live fully alive as the person God has created them to be. You can find out more about her here.
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