Faith Daily | 30 May 2022

PRAYER of the DAY - APBA p 519

O God,

you withdraw from our sight

that you may be known by our love:

help us to enter the cloud where you are hidden,

and to surrender all our certainty

to the darkness of faith

in Jesus Christ.

Amen

GOSPEL for the Day: John 16: 29-33

29 His disciples said, ‘Yes, now you are speaking plainly, not in any figure of speech! 30Now 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.’ 31Jesus answered them, ‘Do you now believe? 32The 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. 33I 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!’

GOSPEL REFLECTION: Pamela Davey

These verses in the context of John’s Gospel come just before Jesus’ arrest and crucifixion, though it sounds like Jesus is speaking beyond these events, as the risen Christ.

According to The NIB Commentary, verse 33 points to the confidence with which Christians can face into the future, knowing that God’s sovereign presence in and governance of the present and future is assured. In this Farewell Discourse, Jesus offers the disciples (and us), ways to imagine the possibilities of life beyond the present moment and points them toward their future life with God.

We have the advantage of hindsight. You read how patient Jesus was with his followers – how they didn’t “get” a lot of what he was trying to say. But how much has it been analyzed and reflected on for us today, to enable us to hear and understand more clearly?

FINAL PRAYER New Ways – from the Iona Community

God of our lives

You are always calling us

To follow you into the future,

Inviting us to new ventures, new challenges,

New ways to care,

New ways to touch the hearts of all.

When we are fearful of the unknown, give us courage

When we worry that we are not up to the task,

Remind us that you would not call us

If you did not believe in us.

When we get tired,

Or feel disappointed with the way things are going,

Remind us that you can bring change and hope

Out of the most difficult situations. Amen.