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Gospel: John 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.”
The Gospel of the Lord.
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For the last several weekdays, we’ve been reading in John’s Gospel what’s known as the, “Farewell Discourse,” the final words of Jesus to his Apostles before his arrest, crucifixion, and death.
It seems odd that in the Easter season – when we’re focused on the resurrection – that we’d be reading words that Jesus gives right before his death. But, perhaps, we can read the Gospel today in light of Pentecost, which we will celebrate on Sunday.
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After Jesus ascends into heaven and sends forth his Spirit upon the Apostles, he leaves the life – and the future – of the Church in their hands.
And with this authority, a series of lessons – some of which are shared verbally in the “Farewell Discourse,” and others, which are taught by his actions.
Time is God’s gift to us.
For example, as he reaches the end of his earthly life at the tender age of 33, Jesus teaches his Apostles that life is not about duration, but donation.
What matters is not how much time we have, as much as how well we use it.
In his case, the Lord spent every word, every moment, every ounce of energy he had glorifying his heavenly Father and serving his neighbor.
How do we use our own time?
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Make a “donation” today.
Set aside a few moments to do something good, something beautiful, for God or your neighbor. Be like Jesus, “who has loved us and given himself for us.”
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Image credits: (1) Finding Zest, Quote by Maya Angelou (2) Jesus Washes Peter’s Feet, Ford Madox Brown (3) On Assignment by God