I have still many things to Say to you : What are these things?

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Easter Season : Sixth Week:  Wednesday*

*Gospel :  John 16:12-15*

*First Reading : Acts : 17:15, 22-18: 1*

*Responsorial Psalm : 148: 1-14*

*I have still many things to Say to you : What are these things?*

*1) What are the “many things” Jesus is speaking about?*

Jesus does not list them explicitly in that verse, but from the surrounding chapters and the rest of the New Testament, we can understand that these “many things” include:

The deeper meaning of His death and resurrection.

The coming and work of the Holy Spirit.

The future mission of the Church.

The inclusion of Gentiles into God’s covenant.

Spiritual truths about suffering, love, sacrifice, and eternal life.

The full understanding of God’s kingdom.

The disciples at that moment were emotionally overwhelmed. They were struggling even to accept that Jesus was leaving them. So Jesus teaches according to their capacity to receive.

This is followed immediately by John 16:13: “When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth.”

The idea is that spiritual understanding is progressive. God reveals truth as people mature spiritually.

*2) Deeper Understanding*

*A) God reveals truth gradually* : Jesus recognizes human limitation. Spiritual growth often happens step by step, not all at once. Like a teacher who does not give advanced lessons to beginners, Jesus gives truth according to readiness.

*B) Spiritual maturity affects understanding* : The disciples loved Jesus, but they were not yet spiritually prepared for everything. Understanding is not only intellectual; it is also emotional and spiritual.

Some truths can only be understood through: suffering, experience, prayer, obedience, and time.

*C) The Holy Spirit continues Jesus’ teaching ministry* : Jesus was not abandoning them. The Holy Spirit would continue guiding believers. Christian faith therefore involves ongoing discernment, reflection, and transformation.

*3) Present-day relevance*

Many people want immediate answers, but this passage reminds us: not everything is understood instantly, growth takes time, and wisdom develops progressively.

It also speaks to: personal crises, faith struggles, leadership, education, relationships, and social change.

Sometimes we are “not ready” for certain truths until experience prepares us.

*4) Spiritual Reflections* 

*A) Patience with spiritual growth* : Jesus Christ did not condemn the disciples for their limitations. He patiently walked with them. Growth in faith is a journey, not a race.

*B) Truth requires readiness* : Some truths can burden rather than heal if received too early. Wisdom is not merely knowing truth, but being prepared to carry it.

*C) God understands human weakness* : Jesus recognized their emotional exhaustion and fear.

Divine compassion includes understanding human limits.

*D) The Holy Spirit still guides people* : Christians believe God continues to guide believers through conscience, Scripture, prayer, and discernment. Spiritual understanding is ongoing, not finished in one moment.

*E) Humility is necessary* : This verse challenges intellectual pride. No person fully understands everything immediately. Openness and humility are essential for deeper truth.

*5) Modern application* 

parents teach children gradually,

doctors explain difficult diagnoses carefully,

leaders reveal responsibility step by step,

teachers build understanding over time.

Jesus models the same wisdom: truth should be given with love, timing, and discernment.

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*