Seventh Monday of Eastertide – Acts 19:1-8; John 16:29-33

Many declare – they now believe that Jesus knows everything, they believe He came from God. They believe? Jesus tells them bluntly that they will leave Him, going their own ways. But He isn’t resentful. He seems to understand. And as if despite this He says to them: “I have told you all this so that you may find peace in me. In the world you will have trouble, but be brave. I have conquered the world.”

God knows everything about us. He knows every one of our future choices. But although He knows all our future infidelities, these words, once said to the apostles, He also directs to us. And stating the tribulations we will experience in the world, at the same time encourages: “be brave! I have conquered the world.” Words of encouragement and at the same time embarrassment, since we sometimes think the Church and the world should go hand in hand.

Lord Jesus, if Your closest disciples turned out to be weak in the moment of trial, what can we say about ourselves? Knowing our weakness, we trustfully ask You to strengthen us in faith, love and hope, so that not rely on ourselves, but on Your grace, we may “be brave”. Amen.