Monday of the Seventh Week of Easter, May 18, 2026

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

What stood out to me in this Gospel was when Jesus says, “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”. Jesus is honest with His disciples. He tells them plainly that trouble will come. He knows that their faith will be tested, and that they will experience great grief and confusion through His death. However, He reminds them that even in the midst of these trials and uncertainties, they can have peace in knowing He has already conquered the world.

I think this is something we can really take to heart today too. The world can often feel depressing, hateful, and full of darkness. It can seem like evil is everywhere and that goodness is losing. Yet Jesus’ words remind us that evil does not have the final victory. Through His death and Resurrection, He has already overcome sin and death, giving us hope even in the midst of a broken world.