Daily Reflections ...

“But take courage; I have conquered the world!”  These words that we hear in today’s gospel, Jesus spoke to the disciples on the night he was betrayed.  About to face his agony alone, Jesus shares with us the astounding truth – that he is not alone – and neither are we.  

Jesus knows the disciples are about to face the anguish of his passion and death and will in turn, scatter and turn away from him. But Jesus reveals, even in his own suffering, that God is with him and will not leave him alone.  Jesus brings God to the world and in turn to each one of us.   That is the promise that we are all given here- that we are loved and that we are not alone. 

The world may seem hard, but Jesus promises us that he conquers the world.  One thing Jesus doesn’t promise is that we will not face persecution or experience suffering.  Trouble will come in our lives but Jesus does promise that we never ever have to face them alone. Jesus shows us that in any time of trouble, if we turn to him, keep our eyes on Jesus – it is there that we know that God is with us and we will find peace.  Not peace of this world but a true and lasting peace.

These words bring us deep comfort and deep courage.

Today, sit with the words, “take courage; I have conquered the world.”

Where do you need courage today?  Hand this to Jesus; let him conquer your fears and sufferings.  It brings lasting peace.

by Lisa McKerr