Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: May 9, 2024

Date:   Thursday of the 6th Week of Easter

Scripture Text:  John 16:16-20

Jesus said to his disciples: "A little while and you will no longer see me, and again a little while later and you will see me. "So, some of his disciples said to one another, "What does this mean that he is saying to us, 'A little while and you will not see me, and again a little while and you will see me,' and 'Because I am going to the Father'?" So, they said, "What is this 'little while' of which he speaks? We do not know what he means." Jesus knew that they wanted to ask him, so he said to them, "Are you discussing with one another what I said, 'A little while and you will not see me, and again a little while and you will see me'? Amen, amen, I say to you, you will weep and mourn, while the world rejoices; you will grieve, but your grief will become joy."

Breaking the text open – background and summary:

The gospel text for today taken from Jesus’ “Final Discourse with the Disciples.” Jesus alludes to His death, time in the tomb, and then His resurrection. “A little while and you will not see me” refers to His crucifixion, death, and entombment. “A little while and you will see me” refers to His resurrection and multiple appearances to disciples.

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

Do I sometimes struggle with the LORD’s message to me? Am I patient and persistent in seeking to prayerfully discern what the LORD is asking of me and telling me?

Praying:

LORD, Almighty Father, Beloved Son, Most Holy Spirit, we come to You this day aware that You are present to us always and everywhere. We praise You for all You are and lift our voices in thanksgiving for all we are because of your loving power and presence in our lives and in our world. Through the power of the Spirit, may we come to know and understand the purpose You have woven within us, the daughters and sons You created us to be, the disciples You call us to be. Grant that we may always seek to prayerfully discern your will for us and then persevere in bearing the fruit of our relationship with You. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.