"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.”
(John 16:33)
God’s omniscience delves into the recesses of our minds and addresses our thoughts - to the itch of our unspoken questions, He gives us a soul satisfying scratch. In Jesus, we have peace. We may have tribulation in the world but we should take courage because amidst these troubles, Jesus has overcome the world. Let us “take heart,” knowing that God has overcome any trouble on this earth and is very present with us. Encouraged by God’s love and grace that is found in Jesus Christ, there is always hope in Christ that we can overcome any spiritual failure that may come our way and look forward to future spiritual growth.
29 The disciples said to Jesus, “Now you are talking plainly, and not in any figure of speech. 30 Now we realize that you know everything and thatyou do not need to have anyone question you. Because of this we believe that you came from God.” 31 Jesus answered them, “Do you believe now? 32 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. 33 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.” (John 16:29-33)
In the depths of our minds, a secret place, God's omniscience finds its trace. Unspoken questions, thoughts untold, in His wisdom, our stories unfold. A soul satisfying scratch, His words impart, a balm for the itch in every heart. In Jesus, we find our peace, in His love, our worries cease. Tribulation may mark our worldly path, but take courage in His aftermath. For amidst these troubles, wide and vast, Jesus has overcome, His lot is cast. "Take heart," we hear His gentle plea, God has overcome, in Him we're free. His presence, a constant, guiding light, in our darkest hour, our beacon bright. Encouraged by love, by grace we stand, held secure by His mighty hand. In Jesus Christ, hope does reside, a beacon for the spiritual tide. Overcoming failure, growth in sight, in Christ alone, we take our flight. Looking forward to what lies ahead, by His love and grace, we are led.
Dear Lord Jesus, we come before You, acknowledging Your omniscience that delves into the recesses of our minds, addressing our thoughts and unspoken questions. You give us a soul satisfying scratch, providing answers and comfort in our times of need. In You, we find peace. Despite the tribulations we face in the world, we take courage knowing that You have overcome the world. We "take heart," understanding that You have triumphed over any trouble on this earth and are very present with us. We are encouraged by Your love and grace that is found in You, Jesus Christ. There is always hope in You that we can overcome any spiritual failure that may come our way. We look forward to future spiritual growth, guided by Your love and grace. Help us to remember these truths in our daily lives, to live in the light of Your love, and to share this love with others. We pray all these in Your mighty name, Lord Jesus. Amen.
It is important for us to have a personal connection and empathy in our ministry, and our obligations to God. Our ministry should not be distant or detached. We should take every opportunity to immerse ourselves with people so that we may truly know and understand their struggles and where thay are coming from. To establish and extend the church, there must be evangelizing (preaching the gospel), empowering (through God’s Spirit), and equipping (pastor-teachers must equip the saints for the work of the ministry). In doing so, we cannot just be believing but also receiving the Holy Spirit. This gives us the correct understanding and reception of the transformative power of the Holy Spirit.
1 While Apollos was in Corinth, Paul traveled through the interior of the country and down to Ephesus where he found some disciples. 2 He said to them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you became believers?” They answered him, “We have never even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.” 3 He said, “How were you baptized?” They replied, “With the baptism of John.” 4 Paul then said, “John baptized with a baptism of repentance, telling the people to believe in the one who was to come after him, that is, in Jesus.” 5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 6 And when Paul laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied. 7 Altogether there were about twelve men. 8 He entered the synagogue, and for three months debated boldly with persuasive arguments about the Kingdom of God. (Acts 19:1-8)
In the heart of ministry, connection is key, empathy and understanding, the lock and we the key. Our obligations to God, a compass in the sea, guiding us through waves of life, setting our spirits free. Not distant, not detached, we stand among the crowd, voices in the chorus, humble yet loud. Immersed in the lives of others, we find our place, understanding struggles, each unique face. Evangelizing, preaching the gospel's song, empowering through the Spirit, making the weak strong. Equipping the saints, for the work of the ministry, a beacon of light, in a world of mystery. Belief is not enough, the Spirit we must receive, a transformative power, if we are to believe. The Holy Spirit's reception, understanding so clear, in the heart of ministry, love is always near.
Dear Heavenly Father, we come before You today with humble hearts. We recognize the importance of having a personal connection and empathy in our ministry, and we acknowledge our obligations to You. We pray that our ministry will not be distant or detached, but instead, deeply immersed in the lives of those we serve. Help us to truly know and understand the struggles of others, to see where they are coming from, and to meet them there with Your love and grace. Give us the wisdom and courage to take every opportunity to immerse ourselves with people, to walk alongside them in their journey. We pray for the establishment and extension of Your church. May we be diligent in evangelizing, preaching the gospel to all corners of the earth. Empower us through Your Spirit, that we may be bold in our faith and steadfast in our mission. Equip us, Lord, to fulfill our roles in the ministry. As pastor-teachers, may we effectively equip the saints for the work of the ministry, guiding them in their spiritual growth and nurturing them in their faith. We understand that belief is not enough, and we pray for the correct understanding and reception of the Holy Spirit. May we not only believe, but also receive the transformative power of the Holy Spirit. Let it guide us in our actions, inspire us in our decisions, and strengthen us in our challenges. In all things, may we always seek to glorify You and further Your kingdom. We ask all these in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen.
God is faithful in His commitment to His people. He is more powerful than any force on earth. He is sovereign and has ultimate control over all things. He has the power and ability to deliver those who trust in Him from their enemies. His love, compassion, concern, and care is upon the poor, the marginalized, and those in need. Salvation is available through faith in God. Joy and gladness are found in the presence of God. Let us trust in the Lord, rejoice in His presence, and live in the light of His love and grace. Our fellowship with God is through the Holy Spirit.
2 God arises; his enemies are scattered, and those who hate him flee before him. 3 As smoke is driven away, so are they driven; as wax melts before the fire. 4 But the just rejoice and exult before God; they are glad and rejoice. 5 Sing to God, chant praise to his name, whose name is the Lord. 6 The father of orphans and the defender of widows is God in his holy dwelling. 7 God gives a home to the forsaken; he leads forth prisoners to prosperity. (Psalm 68:2-3, 4-5, 6-7)
In the realm where the divine and mortal meet, God's faithfulness to His people is a drum's steady beat. More powerful than any earthly force, His sovereignty charts the universe's course. With power and ability, He does defend, delivering those who on Him depend. His love and compassion, like a river, flow, upon the poor, the marginalized, the ones we know. Salvation, a gift, through faith, we receive, in God's promises, we choose to believe. Joy and gladness in His presence found, His love and grace, in our hearts, abound. Trust in the Lord, let your worries cease, Rejoice in His presence, find your peace. Live in the light of His love and grace, see the divine in every face. Our fellowship with God, a sacred tie, through the Holy Spirit, who hears our cry. In this dance of life, may we ever be, a reflection of His love, for all to see.
Dear Heavenly Father, we come before You today, acknowledging Your faithfulness in Your commitment to Your people. We recognize that You are more powerful than any force on earth, sovereign, and have ultimate control over all things. We thank You for Your power and ability to deliver those who trust in You from their enemies. We are grateful for Your love, compassion, concern, and care that is upon the poor, the marginalized, and those in need. We understand that salvation is available through faith in You. We find joy and gladness in Your presence. We commit to trust in You, Lord, to rejoice in Your presence, and to live in the light of Your love and grace. We thank You for the fellowship we have with You through the Holy Spirit. May this fellowship guide us, strengthen us, and lead us closer to You. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
Pericope:
Gospel
III: The Book of Glory
JESUS DEPARTURE; COMING OF THE ADVOCATE
John 16:4-33
First Reading
V: The Mission of Paul to the Ends of the Earth
PAUL IN EPHESUS
Acts 19:1-12
Responsorial Psalm
Second Book of Psalms 42-72
THE EXODUS AND CONQUEST, PLEDGE OF FUTURE HELP
Psalm 68:1-36
Reflection Source:
Copilot
