Word to the Wise
Monday, May 30, 2022 - 7th Week of Easter - Mon
[Acts 19:1-8 and John 16:29-33]"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."
The evangelist John (and we) have the advantage of speaking about the events of Holy Week from years after the events occurred. The Gospel According to John was probably composed between 90 and 110 AD. We are in 2022 AD! It is easy to point the finger at those who were at the table with Jesus at the Last Supper when he told them that they would scatter when he would be arrested! But are we braver than they? There would be a change in their courage when the Holy Spirit took charge of them, but there is no questioning their fear and cowardice (except for Peter and his sword-drawing on a servant) in the Garden of Gethsemani.
We have received the same Holy Spirit that Jesus promised to the disciples. We will celebrate that Holy Spirit next Sunday on the feast of Pentecost. Do we scatter when faith is on the line? Do we speak up or shut up? I know I could do better than I have and I pray the Holy Spirit will keep nudging me in the direction of "better." AMEN