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

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 had been speaking to His followers in parables and abstracts, but now He was talking plainly. Those who had been doubting Him finally came to believe that Jesus truly 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.

The disciples said that they believed He came from God.
Jesus understood that although we may say we believe, in the face of great trials our faith may falter.

“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.”

True to Jesus’ word, the world does have trouble. During this pandemic, people are sick and dying. Our houses of worship have been closed. We may feel isolated and alone.

Today, Jesus’ message to His disciples holds true for us: “Take courage.” As Jesus found peace in the middle of life’s storms, we too can find rest in the heart of the Father.

“You have made us for yourself, O’Lord, and our heart is restless until it rests in you.” St. Augustine