GOSPEL, John (16:29-33)
Gospel of Our Lord Jesus Christ according to Saint John
Peace for the Disciples
29 His disciples said, “Yes, now you are speaking plainly, not in any figure of speech! 30 Now we know that you know all things, and do not need to have anyone question you; by this we believe that you came from God.” 31 Jesus answered them, “Do you now believe? 32 The hour is coming, indeed, it has come, when you will be scattered, each one to his home, and you will leave me alone. Yet I am not alone because the Father is with me. 33 I have said this to you, so that in me you may have peace. In the world, you face persecution. But take courage; I have conquered the world!”
The Gospel of the Lord
REFLECTION
The Lord, in the course of his Life, revealed himself to the disciples who believed in Him “We believe that the Lord came from God”.
They thought they were already quite firm in their faith. However, Jesus said to them, “Do you believe now?” Are you sure? “Behold, the hour is coming when you will scatter, each one to his side, and leave me alone”. Which is precisely what happened, when they abandoned him, overwhelmed by the fear reprisals and death. Jesus, however, did not feel abandoned, He always had the Father by his side.
What would we do in the same circumstances without the Holy Spirit? We would do the same. Fear would prevent us from facing challenges, trials and tests. With the Holy Spirit we should not feel abandoned, whatever happens in our life, be it: persecution, tribulation, fear, death, suffering, illness, unemployment, alcohol or drug addiction, etc.
Nothing can separate our love from God, we are never alone, and Jesus is with us, beside us to protect us. Those who trust in him will have all the strength they need, because God is kindness and peace.
We have confidence that even in the midst of persecution; Faith in Jesus leads us to victory. He overcame the world, and with Christ, each of us can affirm, that we will be triumphant whatever we face! So be it Amen!!!
Let us remember what St. Paul tells us:
(Colossians 3: 1-3)
“So if you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth, 3 for you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.”
PRAYER
Send us, Lord, your Spirit that renews our hearts. Send us, Lord, your light and your warmth, which illuminates our steps, which inflames our love. Send us, Lord, your strength and your courage, to free us from our fears and to animate our ardour.