A reading from the holy Gospel according to John 16:29-33
The disciples said to Jesus, "Now you are talking plainly, and not in any figure of speech. Now we realize that you know everything and that you do not need to have anyone question you. Because of this we believe that you came from God." Jesus answered them, "Do you believe now? Behold, the hour is coming and has arrived when each of you will be scattered to his own home and you will leave me alone. But I am not alone, because the Father is with me. I have told you this so that you might have peace in me. In the world you will have trouble, but take courage, I have conquered the world."
REFLECTION: "But I am not alone, because the Father is with me. I have told you this so that you might have peace in me."
A bouquet of roses with colorful fragrant blossoms interspersed with buds is a gift that can last awhile. It is given with love and can be a sign of union with that person.
The complex genetic process of the petals of the bud breaking through into a full blossom can be seen but not understood. The bud drinks the water and slowly opens up into its full beauty over a course of a few days.
The disciples spent three years with Jesus and though drawn to Him did not fully understand His message nor who He really was. Jesus was to leave so that the Holy Spirit would enlighten them. But you can see the transformation taking place.
We are drawn and belong entirely to God with no expectations of rewards or compensations. He is worthy of our love. God has loved us unconditionally inspite of our rebelliousness, bad decisions and poor choices and He is telling us “take courage, I have conquered the world”- find peace in me.
I will never understand why God loves me so much. I watch His beauty unfold to me and with that love of God comes everything a person desires.
If we all prayed steadily and continuously from the heart and drank from God’s life giving water we could all become saints. As God works through the beautiful rose may we turn every action into a prayer- an exclamation of God’s love! Jesus has conquered the devil and his worldly kingdom.
Shake off the world and find peace in God. Live only to love God. Remember our PAPA mission — "Go out and make disciples of all nations; behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age." (Matthew 28:18, 20). Have we gone out and made PAPA missionaries to pray so that our priests can be on fire for Jesus?
God Bless You
