Word to the Wise
Monday, May 18, 2015 - 7th Week of Easter - Mon
[Acts 19:1-8 and 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." [John]
Even though we have just celebrated the feast of the Ascension, the lectionary is still moving along in Easter mode on a daily basis! The chronological anomaly is due to the fact that Easter doesn't really come to an end until Pentecost, which is next Sunday. So, in today's gospel scripture, we still have Jesus speaking to the disciples at the Last Supper even though we celebrated his departure yesterday! It is confusing but the story is still to be told. To make matters even more confusing, the first scripture for today, from Acts, is post-Pentecost chronologically!
Jesus is warning the disciples that no matter how much they promise him that they believe in him and will follow him, they will still be afraid and run when his "hour" arrives. It is a stark reminder of their (and our) humanity in the face of trial, but it is also a reminder of his mercy. At the end of today's gospel, Jesus says, "In the world you will have trouble, but take courage, I have conquered the world." His mercy is greater than our fears and betrayals. This message is being driven home by Pope Francis in his speeches and actions and will be celebrated in an "extraordinary jubilee of mercy" that will begin with Advent this year. I pray that we can all find comfort in that mercy. AMEN