Reflection for May 18 Monday of the Seventh Week of Easter: John 16:29-33

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.”

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Reflection:

The story is told about a man who devoted his life to pursuing worldly riches and greatness in his chosen field of endeavor. Through determination and hard work, he achieved many of his dreams and ambitions. He believed that these accomplishments would become the crowning glory of his life.

Yet, instead of finding fulfillment, he continued longing for more wealth, more success, and more recognition. Little by little, his desire for worldly things robbed him of peace and contentment, until he eventually became a slave to the things of this world.

In the Gospel for this Monday, Jesus lovingly reminds us: “You will have peace in Me. In this world you will have trouble” (John 16:33). How true these words are in our daily lives. Many of us spend so much of our time and energy chasing temporary riches, power, and worldly approval, believing that these things will finally make us happy and secure.

Yet the more we cling to them, the more restless and burdened our hearts become. Oftentimes, it is only when sickness comes, when trials overwhelm us, or when we face the reality of death that we realize that worldly treasures can never truly satisfy the deepest longings of our souls.

Jesus alone offers us the peace that our hearts truly desire — a peace that no person can give and no amount of money can buy. It is a peace that remains even in the midst of pain, uncertainty, and the many worries of this world. It is a peace that strengthens us during our darkest moments and gives us hope beyond this earthly life.

When we allow the peace of Jesus to dwell within our hearts, we begin to experience true freedom. We are no longer controlled by worldly possessions, human recognition, or the opinions of others because our hearts already rest securely in Him.

Let us therefore open our hearts completely to the peace that Jesus is offering us today. Let us learn to trust Him more than the temporary attractions of this world.

As we continue our journey of faith, may we constantly ask ourselves: Are we still allowing worldly desires to rule our hearts, or are we willing to surrender everything to Jesus so that His peace may truly reign within us?— Marino J. Dasmarinas