Tuesday of Fifth Week of Easter

Taking the Gospel to Prayer

Today's Gospel is the beginning of the "Last Supper Discourses" in John's Gospel. Knowing the timing of this text helps us to appreciate the urgency of Jesus' words. He has just washed the feet of the disciples and sent Judas on his mission of betrayal. Now He is having His final conversations with His closest friends before facing the agony of the crucifixion.

Dire timing, yet the message is about peace and love. He knows that nothing that is about to happen will make sense to His followers. So He takes the time to reassure them. He clearly tells them that what He is about to do is out of love and obedience to the Father. They need to understand that all is intentional and not because He does not have the power to stop it.

We need to hold on to this message when the things of this world don't make sense.

We are all struggling with the why the "why" of our Covid Pandemic. But, perhaps, the question isn't "Why is God letting this happen?" Perhaps we should be asking, "How can this situation give us opportunities to witness to the Gospel message of peace and love?"

God takes chaos and creates. What new opportunities are open to you?

Lord Jesus, help me to grow closer to You today.