"I have said this to you, so that in me you may have peace. In the world you face persecution. But take courage; I have conquered the world!" – John 16:33
 |
| Photo by Pexels.com |
Dear friends in Christ
Jesus, we all know and believe that Jesus has already conquered the world by
dying on the cross. He destroyed both sin and death. Jesus destroyed the devil.
The real manifestation of this we will be able to experience at the second
coming of Christ. Jesus is encouraging his disciples that even though they will
have to face persecutions, they can be at peace. In Jesus they can find peace
and nowhere else. The peace that Jesus gives is quite different and which
is real and lasting. We read it in the same gospel of John 14: 27 – "Peace
I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world
gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid."
Dear friends, we see all
over the world Christians being persecuted just because they follow Jesus. We
also see that however persecuted they are, they give a strong witness of their
faith. In many cases they are even willing to sacrifice their life for Jesus.
In all their difficulties and struggles they are able to be still at peace just
because they believe in what Jesus said – "in me you may have peace."
The world might offer us
various means to be at peace which is not real and not lasting. Are we able to
lean on to Jesus for peace in our difficulties and struggles? It is for sure
that things won't be that easy for the true followers of Jesus. But even amidst
all the challenges, if we can be faithful to him and have the confidence that
he is always with us, he will help us to be at peace.
Bible reflection on John 16: 16-33 by Fr. George Joseph SVD
No comments:
Post a Comment