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From Abandonment to Assurance: The Promise of the Father’s Presence
“For the Souls in Purgatory – Eternal rest grant unto them O Lord”
John 16:29-33
He said to them, “Thus it is written that the Messiah would suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and that repentance for the forgiveness of sins would be preached in his name to all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. And behold I am sending the promise of my Father upon you; but stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high.” Then he led them out as far as Bethany, raised his hands, and blessed them. As he blessed them he parted from them and was taken up to heaven. They did him homage and then returned to Jerusalem with great joy. They were continually in the temple praising God.
Grace Prayed For
The grace to trust in the abiding presence of the Father, especially in times of trial and loneliness.
Reflection
In this poignant passage, Jesus prepares his disciples for the trials ahead, a time when they will scatter and leave him alone. Yet, even in this moment of foreshadowed abandonment, Jesus speaks of an unwavering truth: “I am not alone, because the Father is with me.” This declaration resonates deeply with the promise of the resurrection. Just as Jesus was not forsaken in his darkest hour, neither are we. The resurrection is not merely a historical event; it is the living reality that empowers us to face our own “troubles” with courage. It is the assurance that even when we feel most alone, the Father’s presence abides with us, just as it did with Jesus. This intimacy with the Father, born from the resurrection, fuels our ability to fulfill Jesus’ Great Commission. We go forth, not in our own strength, but in the power of the risen Christ, knowing that we are never truly alone.
Growing in Intimacy/Union with Jesus
This passage reveals Jesus’ profound connection with the Father, a connection that transcends even the deepest human isolation. By understanding this intimate relationship, we are drawn into a closer relationship with Jesus himself. We see his vulnerability, his honesty about the trials to come, and his unwavering faith in the Father’s presence. This invites us to share our own vulnerabilities with him, trusting that he understands our struggles and offers us the same peace and courage he found in his relationship with the Father.
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Sharing
Jesus last words on Earth were to his disciples, can be found in Matthew Chap 28 when Jesus told his disciples, “Then Jesus approached and said to them, “All power in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.”
Jesus calls all of us to share in his redemptive mission here on Earth. I would ask you to share this Scripture reflection with your family, your friends and your acquaintances, and then share it with a couple of individuals that you may may not be comfortable sharing with, keeping in mind always the words of Jesus, And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age
Author was assisted by AI in the drafting of this Post