the joy in the midst of uncertainty

Wednesday | Easter | 7th | C
Ac 20 | Ps 68 | Jn 17

Vancouver, June 5, 2019

In the Acts of the Apostles and today’s Gospel of St. John we find both express departures. Their leader is leaving them and they do not know what to expect. The question of what will happen? Who will lead us? Of course, Paul is a missionary leader, while Jesus Christ Himself established the Church.

Departures create anxiety: What happens next? What do we do now? How will we manage? In the Acts of the Apostles Paul is writing to the church elders of Ephesus, he advises them, and tells them, “I know after I have gone savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock. Some even from your own group will come distorting the truth in order to lead astray the disciples to follow them.”  Paul realises how fragile these communities are. Christianity is in its early stages of growth. These are not men who defend themselves or attack with swords. They have the Word of God: the Old Testament Scriptures -- and at this time the only teachings of Christ they have is what they remember Jesus taught and the writings/letters of the Apostles circulating. ​

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But we are also fragile. Paul’s words are also intended for us. Paul’s major concern is “watching out” for potential threats and dangers in terms of distorted teachings and doctrines. So, Paul reminds them – and us -- of what he taught, and how he lived: truth and self-sacrifice for the truth. Not seeking one’s own good but the good of the other, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”

In St. John’s Gospel Jesus prepares to leave His disciples and the theme throughout chapter 17 is Jesus going to the Father while asking for protection for His disciples. Jesus wants protection for us from the Evil One – and Jesus wants us to have joy. We sense then, as Paul leaves for Rome, and while Jesus’ time is approaching to return to the Father, there is the desire to ensure, that we are guided, protected, and experience joy. And this joy is in the midst of trials, and uncertainty. Pentecost is only a few days away, and God sends us His Spirit to be poured on the Church, so the Holy Spirit guides, protects and sustains the Church, so our joy may be complete. What is that joy? That we are loved by Jesus Christ, who died for us. Our joy is not of this world, but of the joy Jesus Christ brings us, to be Loved by Him, He who gives us Eternal Life. Amen.

Let us ask the Mother of our Saviour to keep us in her prayers. Amen.