Today's Gospel reading brings to a conclusion the second version of the discourse after the Last Supper which began with John 15.1. It concludes with an inspiring re-assurance of the certainty of the teaching which has been given. All the teachings of Jesus to his Apostles and to us are meant to bring them peace both of mind and body all in Jesus Christ. This is why he says, "I have told you this so that you might have peace in me." The themes of the whole discourse are love and belief, which have been constant throughout the teaching of Jesus which we have read in the weeks of Eastertide. Now the disciples are to be scattered over the earth on their mission, and though the world will be full of trouble, they can still rest secure in Jesus because of his union with the Father and because of conquering the world. Now, we are ready, with the Apostles, for the coming of the Spirit at Pentecost.
The Apostles today surprise Jesus; with all the time He had been teaching them, they had not come to believe in him but believed at last. The Apostles believed at last that Jesus was really Son of God and that He came from God because He was no longer speaking in metaphors and tongues. It's obvious that nobody was really understanding Jesus' parables and metaphors, even His Apostles (though he used to explain to them) until He started speaking plainly. Ignorance and misunderstanding especially of the scripture and church teachings is always a threat to faith which we should try to eliminate in our lives.
The question of Jesus to His disciples " Do you believe at last?" also comes to us though in an inflected way: "Have you come to believe in Jesus? It's an invitation to reflect deeply on this question. Then if it's Yes, why have you come to believe in Jesus? if not, why have you not come to believe in Jesus?
Brethren, it's always good to know the reason why you are doing something. Knowing the reason why you are doing something gives you a reason and courage as well as motivation to continue doing it with enthusiasm, despite any situations. We have to know why we believe in Jesus. Is it because others do so? Is it because of personal experience with Jesus? Is it because you have heard His message and have become convinced? Or have you come to the knowledge of Christ? Reflect on these questions today, and if you do not find reason why you are or are not believing in Jesus, or if you find that you believe because others do, then your belief may not be as strong as the one who has experienced Jesus personally and is convinced of his divinity and teachings. Believing in Jesus must be an internal experience.
Believing in Jesus and becoming a Christian is very easy. The difficult thing is to live as a Christian in any situation of our life. If you have come to believe in Jesus then be ready to live as Jesus lived, in short to live as a Christian. That's why Jesus quickly points out to them that, though they believe now, there will be a time that comes soon when almost everyone will abandon Him, when they are scattered, and they will leave Him alone. This was obviously a prophesy of His coming persecution and Crucifixion when the Apostles left Jesus alone but were later strengthened by his resurrection.
In our context, there is no physical crucifixion of Jesus and that's why it is also an invitation today to reflect on what aspects and situations of life may lead you to abandon Jesus. Be aware of them and pray for strength and courage to overcome such situations and to stay firm in faith in Jesus because without Jesus we cannot do anything; but with Him we can conquer the world as He conquered it.
Reflect today on these fundamental questions: Have you come to believe in Jesus? How deep is that faith? And why do you believe? Are you ready and willing to hold on to that faith no matter what comes your way? Are you ready to follow Him even if it’s difficult and unpopular? Are you ready to suffer as a result of your faith? Pray for the Holy Spirit to aid you as you reflect on your life in Jesus.
Let us pray.
Grant me, God, firm faith and belief in Jesus and may this faith lead me to conquer the world and all its pleasures. Amen
Blessed Easter Season and don't forget to pray Novena to the Holy Spirit
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