Monday of the Seventh Week of Easter, June 2, 2025

Gospel

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

In the beginning of the Gospel Jesus seems to be questioning His disciples’ faith asking if they will believe even when it gets tough and warning them that hard times are coming where they will be tested..."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". However, this line at the end stood out to 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". He was already aware of how He would be betrayed, and the cross He would have to bear, yet He also knew the outcome. He knew that even in abandonment, He would not be alone. While He is warning the disciples to prepare them for what is to come, He ends this conversation by giving them hope. Something to take courage in so that they will not despair and remember His words when they too feel alone.

Reflecting on this makes me think of my own life today and question where or who I turn to for peace. From the little inconveniences to the much bigger life problems, who do I run to when I feel overwhelmed? The world or the one who has conquered the world? Where there is chaos and fear, when life feels uncertain and heavy, Jesus invites us to take refuge in Him. He knows what’s coming, not just for the disciples, but for each one of us. And still, He tells us not to be afraid, because He has already won. And in Him, we are never alone.