THE WORD BECAME FLESH

Monday of the Seventh Week of Easter 

Acts 19:1-8

Ps 68

John 16:29-33

Peace

Facing the truth is something we all find difficult to do, especially when the truth is painful. Jesus always faced the truth, because he was the truth. 

In this morning’s gospel reading (Jn 16:29-33) he faces the truth about his disciples. He says to them quite openly, ‘The time will come when you will be scattered, each going his way and leaving me alone’. He knew that his disciples would fail; when his passion arrives, they would serve their interests rather than serve him. That must have been a painful truth for Jesus to recognize and articulate. Yet, what Jesus goes on to say in the gospel reading implies that he will keep faith with them, nonetheless. He says, ‘I have told you all this so that you may find peace in me’. The first words of the risen Lord to his disciples, according to the evangelist, were, ‘Peace be with you’. 

After failure, we can all find peace in Jesus because he loves us as the Father loves him. Having told his disciples that they would find peace in him, he goes on to warn them of another painful truth, ‘in the world, you will have trouble’. They will know the world’s hostility. Yet, even amid that hostility, they will know the Lord’s peace, because, in the words of Saint Paul, nothing can come between them, between us, and the love of God made visible in Jesus.

Let us pray: Lord Jesus, help me to trust in your unwavering love and saving help, especially when I  meet adversities, trials, and temptations. Amen.

+Remain blessed