Gospel
Jn 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:
When I first read through this short Gospel I was confused as to what the disciples were referring to in the beginning when they 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”. When I went back and read a couple of lines before this for context I realized Jesus was trying to warn them of his eventual death and resurrection, but in reading their reaction and responses, I am not sure they ever truly understood. Jesus continues to tell the disciples of the anguish they would face without Him forebodingly saying, “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.” This seems very dark and discouraging but He said this to do just the opposite, He told them so that they might have peace.
As He continues He says this line that stuck with me the most from this passage…”In the world you will have trouble, but take courage, I have conquered the world”…. Just reading those words it was like a weight lifted from my shoulders, I went back and read it again. I found this line comforting but also empowering, as HE has won…(”O death, where is thy sting? O death, where is thy victory?”-1 Corinthians 15:55-57). It is true we will face challenges and uncertainties but we can be certain of Christ’s triumph and take courage using Him as a beacon of hope to draw strength…in Him, we too can find victory.
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