May 25, 2020

Jn 16: 29-33

His disciples said, “Yes, now you are speaking plainly, not in any figure of speech! Now we know that you know all things, and do not need to have anyone question you; by this we believe that you came from God.” Jesus answered them, “Do you now believe? The hour is coming, indeed it has come, when you will be scattered, each one to his home, and you will leave me alone. 

Yet I am not alone because the Father is with me. I have said this to you, so that in me you may have peace. In the world you face persecution. But take courage; I have conquered the world!”

New Revised Standard Version, copyright 1989, by the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. USCCB approved.

We will not be left alone

Jesus the Leader.  He is quite a selfless leader in this passage and is showing great leadership qualities during a challenging time. 

First, he is preparing the disciples for the inevitable: his departure.  In a loving but firm way, he was able to level with the disciples as he says “The hour is coming, indeed it has come, when you will be scattered, each one to his home, and you will leave me alone.” 

He also shows great courage as he knows the disciples will leave him (“you will be scattered, each one to his home”) and ultimately, he will end up alone.  Knowing this gives him great peace because he knows and trusts that God will always be with him-a calming realization.  This is what God wants for us: Peace.

When you hit a turbulent or challenging time, how do you react or lead?  If we can trust in God’s presence with us, it should allow us to realize we are never alone.

—Dan O’Brien is a graduate of Loyola Academy and John Carroll University.  He has worked for the Jesuits for 20 years and currently serves as a Regional Advancement Director for the Midwest Jesuits based in Milwaukee, WI.

Prayer

Loving God, we know that you are with us always, in times of joy and times of trial.  Give us the peace that comes only from a relationship with you, so that we can respond to situations in a loving way.  May we always remember that we are not alone. Amen.

—The Jesuit Prayer team