The quote above from today’s gospel reading is echoed 2000 years later by Pope Francis when he said, “Not every part of the Christian life is a party” (May 30, 2014)
Today’s scripture reading is part of the Great Discourse in John’s gospel. The setting is the Last Supper. Jesus’ earthly ministry is reaching its climax in his suffering, arrest, crucifixion and death on the Cross. All the people in Jerusalem – Jews and Romans – are on tenterhooks during the great feast of Passover.
For the apostles, the person whom they loved so much and followed for years will soon be killed. Is this the end? We know it is not and that is why we, as Christians, in any suffering, have hope.
“Your hearts will rejoice and no one will take your joy from you.” (John 16:22)
Suffering and hope go hand in hand if we are to part of the Kingdom of God. Jesus is offering us a peace and a joy and a hope that the world cannot understand. These gifts from Jesus are not dependent on the situation we find ourselves in. God is firmly on our side and gives us the strength, like the apostles, in the most difficult of circumstances.
Today as we read this scripture we might ask ourselves: if belonging to the Kingdom of God involves suffering, how do we bring hope to those in our lives who suffer?
by Michael Bruynesteyn