John 16: 29-33
Jesus’s disciples said, “Yes, now you are speaking plainly, not in any figure of speech! Now 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.” Jesus answered them, “Do you now believe? The 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. I 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!”
New Revised Standard Version, copyright 1989, by the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. USCCB approved.
How Has the Resurrection Changed My Life?
In my Shorter Christian Prayer book, there is a list of people remembered in daily prayer. There is another prayer list, not written on paper, but carried in my heart for the women, men, and especially the children, whose lives are being touched by conflict, illness, poverty, hunger, or homelessness. I pray for those messengers of peace and hope working to alleviate the needs and sufferings of those trapped in personal and worldly troubles. And, following the dictate of Jesus, I pray for those that inflict pain or allow suffering to continue.
I hold close the words of Jesus when he says, “In the world you will have trouble, but take courage, I have conquered the world.”
I have to ask myself: Have I allowed the reality of Jesus’s resurrection to change my life and guide my awareness and efforts to help those in need? How about you?
—Russ Long attends St. Peter Catholic Church, the Jesuit parish in the Diocese of Charlotte, NC. He is involved with the Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network and religious education in the parish.
Prayer
Lord, may all my prayers and works of mercy always be reflections of your resurrection. Amen
—Russ Long