We overcome the world through the cross

"Never bend your head. Always hold it high. Look the world straight in the face."- Helen Keller

Gospel text (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.”

Christ gives us a HUGE gift with today’s Gospel. He pretty clearly outlines the plan we should be following.

Christ begins with a comforting note: “the Father is with me.” We are never ever left alone to confront our troubles by ourselves because the Father is with us. The Father does not abandon us to find his plan for us alone. The question then follows, however, 'do we trust him enough to get us to where we need to go?

Christ follows this up with an explanation: “I have told you this so that you may have peace in me.” Christ wants us to be peaceful and to have peace. He actually offers it to us today in this Gospel. Do we have peace? Are we offering the very best peaceful and joyful life lived to God? Are we enjoying the enormous gift of life that we’ve been given? Are we allowing God to comfort us and bring us peace?

Christ’s final statement is perhaps the most jarring: “In the world you will have trouble.” He begins with comforting talk about the Father and peacefulness—almost as if to prepare us for this final statement and soften the blow. Have we accepted God’s plan for us or are we just waiting for our own plans to begin? Whose schedule are we following?

As today’s Gospel reminds us, we are made for peace and love. Until we embrace God’s love, (and his plan for us) we will only find trouble in the world.

Know that you are loved!