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:
Following the last supper, while Judas is on his way to betray him, the disciples proclaim that they believe Jesus is the Son of God.
The disciples said to Jesus, “Now…….we believe that you came from God.”
Knowing that his crucifixion was just ahead of him, Jesus replies,
“Do you believe now?”
He then tells them that soon they will abandon him,
“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.”
Here we see the character of Jesus and the quality of true love. Knowing beforehand when he is taken into custody by the authorities that his disciples will scatter and run to their own homes to hide, Jesus nevertheless, still loves them in their weakness.
Jesus Christ, being One with the Father, knows and loves each of us in the same way just as a parent sees and loves their child.
Parental love is the purest reflection of what it means to be made in the image of God. Like a parent, Jesus loves us not only because of our goodness but in spite of our failings.
“But I am not alone, because the Father is with me. I have told you this so that you might have peace in me.”
And, like a parent, even though the betrayal of his disciples will hurt him, Jesus shows his love by his concern for their peace of mind and heart.
In other words, it’s as if Jesus is saying, “Don’t worry about me boys, I’m with the Father. I love you and want you to be at peace in your heart and mind.”
“But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners,
Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8