Mark 16:29-33 – 7th Week of Easter
In the Gospel reading for today Jesus continues his preparation of the disciples for His departure from them and from this world. The disciples believe that they completely understand what Jesus is talking about. However, Jesus says to them: “Do you truly believe?”
Jesus then predicts that the time will come when they will be so afraid that they will scatter and desert him. And despite their protestations, Jesus realizes that ultimately he will end up alone. His disciples do not have a clue about what will happen. They truly believe that they would never desert Jesus. Yet, when the time came and the threat was dire, most all of them scattered!
Jesus knows his disciples well. He does know and believe that they truly do love him. He has no doubt about that. However, he also understands that they are human. And when the threat is serious and possibly lethal, they will be terrified and will flee. The gift is that despite the reality that most of his disciples will leave him, Jesus is at peace. Jesus has “the Father” and Jesus deeply trusts and knows that His Father will never leave him!
Do we believe that God our Father/Mother will never leave us? In the midst of turmoil, do we have some peace and assurance that we will come through this situation, believing as we do that God/Jesus or the Spirit is with us? If we are able to trust this, our belief will strengthen us and thus enable us to truly know and understand that we are never, ever alone!
Jesus wants us to have peace. Peace is a small, six-letter word. Yet the gift of peace is indescribable and invaluable. If we truly desire peace, Jesus will gift us with this special grace! The question is: will we ask for this gift?
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