Catholic Men’s Daily Devotional – Sixth Week of Easter – Thursday John 16:16-26

In John 16:16-26, Jesus speaks in elegant and memorable terms, words that speak of a future that comes to pass in : “A little while, and you will see me no more, again a little while, and you will see me.”  These words build upon Jesus’ explicit predictions of His Death and Resurrection.

Nevertheless, the disciples are confused, unable to realize that Christ is reassuring them of future events. Despite being led and taught by Jesus for three years, the disciples, on their own, can not fathom the mysteries of the Divine.  Jesus, knowing full well the weakness of men, will send His Holy Spirit at the Pentecost to give men the ability to understand and follow Him completely.

Jesus, because He is both God and the Perfect Man, hears them as they speak in private.  Rather than easily lay things out to them in even more concrete terms, Jesus chooses to describe how they will experience His Death, describing sorrows followed by great joy.

In a clear-eyed observation, and perhaps a condemnation, Jesus tells the disciples that the world, full of rebellion against God and that sides with Satan, will be joyful at His death. This is another prophecy that comes to pass with the mocking, taunting and jubilation of the Jews at Christ’s trial and condemnation to death they instigate through Pilate.

Awed by Jesus Christ – Jesus with Omniscience, hears the unspoken words of the disciples. Jesus, the Divine Prophet, speaks in elegant and memorable terms, words that are mysteriously pointing to His Death and Resurrection, words that speak of a future that comes to pass.  Jesus, the Perfect Leader, is preparing His disciples for the sorrows that are to come, to steel them for the tests that they will face.  That same sorrow will come to each of the Apostles as they face persecution and martyrdom; the same joy will come to them as they enter Heaven after their deaths and receive the Beatific Vision of God.

Being a Heroic Catholic Man

1) Think about how often, like the disciples, you are confused by the world and unable to grasp how the Gospel applies in the actual living of life. Signs of confusion include an absence of Christ’s peace and joy, feeling sorry for yourself and all kinds of negative emotions and hateful thoughts about others.

2) Realize how, like the Apostles who were close to Jesus, you need the help of the Holy Spirit to live out the Gospel in peace and joy.  Beg Christ to give you the grace to accept the Holy Spirit.

3) How will you spread the peace and joy of Jesus Christ to another person today.  Be specific about who and how you will witness to Christ.

Spiritual Practices – Include in Today’s Prayers

Sacred Mystery of Rosary – The Luminous Mysteries

Daily Devotion – The Holy Eucharist

Virtue of the Day – Fortitude