In This Sign Conquer?

Reflecting on the Reign of Christ: Three Days after Sunday (Year B)

Scripture

Semi-continuous: Psalm 63; 1 Samuel 17:55—18:5; Revelation 11:15-19

Complementary: Psalm 76; Ezekiel 29:1-12; Revelation 11:15-19

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Prayer

Almighty and merciful God, it is only by your gift that your faithful people offer you true and laudable service: Grant that we may run without stumbling to obtain your heavenly promises; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. (Book of Common Prayer)

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Reflection

“I have said these things to you in figures of speech. The hour is coming when I will no longer speak to you in figures but will tell you plainly of the Father. On that day you will ask in my name. I do not say to you that I will ask the Father on your behalf, for the Father himself loves you because you have loved me and have believed that I came from God. I came from the Father and have come into the world; again, I am leaving the world and am going to the Father.”

His disciples said, “Yes, now you are speaking plainly, not in any figure of speech! Now we know that you know all things and do not need to have anyone question you; by this we believe that you came from God.” Jesus answered them, “Do you now believe? The hour is coming, indeed it has come, when you will be scattered, each one to his home, and you will leave me alone. Yet I am not alone because the Father is with me. I have said this to you so that in me you may have peace. In the world you face persecution, but take courage: I have conquered the world!” (John 16:25-33).

In the last verses of John 16 Jesus draws his upper room discourse to a close. He reminds his disciples of what he said at the beginning. In a little while they will see him no more and there’s also an ominous warning that they will be scattered. Persecution is a real threat, and Jesus wants to prepare them for that reality.