MONDAY OF THE SEVENTH WEEK OF EASTER - Gospel (John 16:29-33) - THE WORD OF GOD FOR EVERYONE

“In the world, you will have trouble, but take courage; I have conquered the world.” (Jn 16:33)

FIRST READING - Acts 19:1-8

A reading from the Book of the Acts of the Apostles

While Apollos was in Corinth,

Paul traveled through the interior of the country

and down to Ephesus where he found some disciples.

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."

He said, "How were you baptized?"

They replied, "With the baptism of John."

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."

When they heard this,

they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.

And when Paul laid his hands on them,

the Holy Spirit came upon them,

and they spoke in tongues and prophesied.

Altogether there were about twelve men.

He entered the synagogue, and for three months debated boldly

with persuasive arguments about the Kingdom of God.

GOSPEL OF THE DAY - 16:29-33

From the Gospel according to John

The disciples said to Jesus,

"Now you are talking plainly, and not in any figure of speech.

Now we realize that you know everything

and that you do not need to have anyone question you.

Because of this we believe that you came from God."

Jesus answered them, "Do you believe now?

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.

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."

MONDAY OF THE SEVENTH WEEK OF EASTER - Gospel (John 16:29-33)

THE WORD OF GOD FOR EVERYONE

Dear People of God,

Jesus chose to call the disciples to follow Him. During the time He was with them and lived among them, He revealed many of God's glories and powers to strengthen their faith. As He was about to accept death on the Cross, the disciples could profess a single belief—that Jesus Christ is God.

The disciples were in a state of confusion, yet they were joyful and happy because God was by their side, supporting, protecting, and guarding them. In light of their belief, Jesus continued to teach them That he was about to return to God the Father, while the disciples would remain in the world. They would still face many difficulties, challenges, and hardships. Life on earth is a constant struggle against Satan; no one is exempt from suffering, fear, anxiety, or sorrow.

Jesus foresaw that these things would happen to His disciples, so He advised and taught them: "In the world, you will have trouble, but take courage; I have conquered the world." This was a message of consolation and great encouragement, spoken with all the love Jesus had for His disciples.

Through these words, He also speaks to all who believe and trust in God: they, too, will overcome the difficulties and challenges brought by the world. Look to Jesus Christ Himself and be courageous, for He always had God the Father with Him.

He also teaches everyone that to overcome the world, one must:

• Be absolutely loyal and obedient to God the Father until their last breath.

• Have unwavering trust in God the Father, who is full of power and authority. He has complete power over all evil, Satan, and the world.

He calls on all who are His disciples to listen to and follow His teachings:

"Take courage; I have conquered the world."

Thanks be to God. Amen.

19:00 June 2nd, 2025 - Prayer of Divine Mercy - The Way to Heaven