Daily Reflection Tuesday of the Sixth Week of Easter

My husband and I recently returned from our vacation. In the week leading up to our time off, people kept asking us, “Where are you going?” I can’t help but think of that question when I reflect on today’s gospel passage. By nature, I am very curious, so I don’t understand why not one of the disciples asks Jesus where he is going. Then I realize that question is not what is important. The essential part is that Jesus is returning to the Father and that he will send us the Advocate, the Holy Spirit. 
   When I was younger and a strong wind would blow by, my mother always said, “That is the Holy Spirit letting you know that God is with you.” Her image was comforting for me as a child. Connecting the wind to God was my mother’s way of teaching me, early in life, about the Holy Spirit. Even today, when the wind moves over me, I think of the Holy Spirit. I wonder what would have been John’s response to my mother’s description!
    John’s gospel always focuses on the divinity of Jesus. He also mentions the role of the Holy Spirit in several passages. He assures us that trusting in God is what is essential. His image of Jesus is noble, powerful, divine.  John shows us that even if Jesus is not in control of his destiny, he always trusts in his Father.  In this gospel, we are reminded of the connection among the Father, Son, and Spirit. Jesus will always live in us through the Holy Spirit. The Spirit’s gifts of love, truth and hope are our perpetual guides. Our response is to recognize God in all things. God’s love is to help us find peace, even in times of pain and suffering; and hope in knowing that we also will be with the Father one day. 
   Maybe the question to us is not “Where are you going?  But “Are you following the Holy Spirit?”