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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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During the last few weeks at daily Mass, we’ve been reading from Jesus’ Farewell Discourse given at the Last Supper, just hours before his arrest, crucifixion, and death.
This seems odd in the Easter season when we’re focused on the joy of the resurrection. But we’re invited to hear Christ’s words in light of Pentecost, which we will celebrate on Sunday.
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As 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 during the Farewell Discourse and others which are taught by his actions.
For example, as Jesus reaches the end of his earthly life at the tender age of 33, he teaches his Apostles that life is not about duration, but donation.
Time is God’s gift to us.
What matters is not how much time we’re given, as much as how well we use it. I’m all too aware of this as I celebrate my 41st birthday today; I’ve already been given eight more years in this world than our Lord was.
But consider how much good he did. He used his time to preach, to heal, to forgive, to impart hope, and to lead others closer to God. Jesus was never concerned about his own wellbeing; rather, he spent himself entirely for the sake of others.
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Like Jesus, how do we use our time to do good in this world?
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Set aside a few moments to do something beautiful for God. In some small way, may we become more like Jesus, “who has loved us and given himself for us.”
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Image credits: (1) StockCake (2) The Sacrament of the Last Supper, Salvador Dalí (3) Mother Teresa, QuoteFancy