Today’s Gospel reading from John is like a gold mine! It contains nuggets of golden promises to sustain us through the trials we will all face in this life. The apostles must have been shaken to hear Jesus’ final words before His arrest and crucifixion. Jesus knows their fears and offers several promises to sustain them in the days and years ahead. These same promises are given to us.
“Whoever loves me will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our dwelling with him.” Jesus promises that for those who believe, those who love and follow Him, the Holy Trinity will come to live in our souls. Is your soul ready to welcome the Holy Trinity? Is it a place of holiness?
Jesus then promises that after His Ascension, “The Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything and remind you of all that I have told you.” Jesus taught His disciples many things. Much of what he taught them they didn’t understand until after His resurrection. The Gospel writers, inspired by the Holy Spirit, were able to explain His words and record them for us. That same Holy Spirit leads and guides us in the everyday situations we face. It is on us to be listening for His voice.
“Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you.” Jesus leaves us His peace, but it is not the peace we normally think of. His peace is not a peace that comes from the world. This peace is offered to us again by God through the priest at every Mass. It does not promise the absence of suffering or hardship or pain. Rather, it remains uncompromised even when these events arise. The love of God for believers continues undisturbed through any trials, even death. Jesus tells us we should rejoice even when we lose a loved one because they are going to glory with the Father. This is the abiding peace of wholeness and tranquility that can only come from the Lord.
It is easy to forget these comforting words of Jesus through the ups and downs of our daily lives. But God always fulfills His promises. We may forget Him at times but He never forgets us. May we always be on the lookout for how God is working in our lives, just as He said He would. Let us pray: “Jesus, help us to trust in your promises.” These promises Jesus gave His disciples 2000 years ago are also for all believers in 2025!
Reflection by Parishioner Dale Gerber