Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: May 13, 2024

Date:   Monday of the 7th Week of Easter

Scripture Text: 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.”

Breaking the text open – background and summary:

 The gospel reading for today continues our weekday reading during this season of Jesus’ “Final Discourse with the Disciples” before his arrest, crucifixion, death, and resurrection. In today’s segment, the disciples acknowledge that Jesus’ words and teachings have convinced them that He is from the LORD. Jesus warns them that they will be scattered soon because of the chaos surrounding his death and resurrection and the persecution of the Christians to come, but He assures them that they go forward in Him and He has “conquered the world.” But the last statement, He is speaking of conquering sin and death, weapons of the one of the world, Satan.

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

How deep is my faith? How resilient is my hope? How essential to my life is my love of Christ, of the LORD, and of all the daughters and sons of our LORD?  

Praying:

LORD, Almighty Father, your desire for our life and our salvation led You to send your only begotten Son to dwell among us, to take upon himself our human nature, and as our brother to reveal You and your love for us, to teach us your ways and through His example to teach us “the way” home to You. From You came our salvation, won through His selfless sacrifice upon a cross on Calvary. He continues to call us as his disciples to be the ones You created us to be, to love You with our whole being and to love one another. Grant that through the power, grace, and gifts of the Spirit we may journey as His disciples home to You. We ask this in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You and the Spirit, one LORD, forever and ever. Amen.