Spreading the fire…
James Cathcart
May 11, 2024
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John 16: 20-33 (NRSVA)
20 Very truly, I tell you, you will weep and mourn, but the world will rejoice; you will have pain, but your pain will turn into joy. 21 When a woman is in labour, she has pain, because her hour has come. But when her child is born, she no longer remembers the anguish because of the joy of having brought a human being into the world. 22 So you have pain now; but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you. 23 On that day you will ask nothing of me. Very truly, I tell you, if you ask anything of the Father in my name, he will give it to you. 24 Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, so that your joy may be complete.
25 ‘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. 26 On that day you will ask in my name. I do not say to you that I will ask the Father on your behalf; 27 for the Father himself loves you, because you have loved me and have believed that I came from God. 28 I came from the Father and have come into the world; again, I am leaving the world and am going to the Father.’
29 His disciples said, ‘Yes, now you are speaking plainly, not in any figure of speech! 30 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.’ 31 Jesus answered them, ‘Do you now believe? 32 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. 33 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!’
Jesus does not promise his disciples they will never face opposition, hardship and adversity — indeed those in that room were about to face persecution — but he does promise them they will not be alone and… that the world is already conquered.
Take courage and be confident, you have the tender Comforter, Helper, Teacher, Advocate, Guide and Spirit of Truth on your side!
Fear and evil
cannot and will not claim the day.
Shame and hubris,
pain and loss will give ground,
will fall back
will ultimately fail.
Because the road we walk is long
it doubles back on itself
sometimes the way goes faint
the way markers overgrown
but the road goes on
and the home fires are burning.
Prayer:
Old Friend,
Wise Friend,
Holy Spirit!
We ask for comfort,
for help,
for knowledge,
for support,
for guidance,
for insight,
as we wreathe ourselves
in Christ’s victory
step by step.
Amen.
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