John Desing csc –
Readings: Acts 18:1-8; Jn 16:16-20
The word of God has always something significant to offer us. Sometimes it even questions our ability to understand its implications and how we can contextualize it. We need to humbly admit that we need the wisdom of the Spirit to grasp the word of God just as the disciples accepted that they could not understand the unusual phrases uttered by Jesus.
However, the disciples did not keep silent. They discussed among themselves the matter, which is the right way to do so. Furthermore, Jesus would have appreciated them much if they could ask him directly what they did not understand. Nevertheless, what Jesus wanted to communicate was about his physical absence from the disciple after his crucifixion and
death.
The disciple would experience inevitable moments of despair and hopelessness before the resurrection of Jesus. They will be mocked, ridiculed, and persecuted on account of their faith. However, these painful circumstances are momentary because Christ will rise again
and fulfil all that has been prophesied.
Moments of doubt, confusion, and suffering are real but temporary. Our hope in the risen Lord should be greater than the fear of losing patience. When temptations to cease praying and believing in the omni-potency of God come strongly in our spiritual journey, we are called to trust that God is ever present with us and he leads us onward.
