Catholic Men’s Daily Devotional and Bible Study – 6th Week of Easter – Saturday – John 16:23b-28

The daily Gospel reading from the Mass for Saturday of the 6th Week of Easter is John 16:23b-28. 

Christ nears the end of His Farewell Discourse (John 13:31-16:33) in Jerusalem during Holy Week, preparing the Apostles for their mission after His departure. After cryptically acknowledging the deathly sorrow the Apostles will soon experience and the perverse joy of evil men who will celebrate Christ’s death, Christ assures them everlasting joy upon His return. 

Perhaps underplaying the history-changing effect of the Resurrection and the world-wide Catholic Church (“In that day”), Christ reveals that instead of the many questions the Apostles still have, they will have a full understanding of who the Son of God is and what He proclaims in His Church. Because of His perfect union with the Father, anything the Apostles ask for in Jesus’ name (previously revealed  in John 14:13-14, 15:16), will be granted to them; this outpouring of grace will give the Apostles the complete joy of participating in the life of the Trinity. 

Confirming His purposeful approach of teaching with sometimes cryptic revelation (for example, numerous parables), Christ promises He will speak “plainly of the Father”, in Person, during the forty days between the Resurrection and the Ascension and through the Holy Spirit after Pentecost. Because of Christ’s coming sacrifice on the Cross and His union with the Father, His prayers are not necessary for Heavenly gifts to be given to those who love Him. Christ reveals that the Father responds with love to those who love His Son and believe that the Father has sent the Son.  

Awed by Jesus Christ – Divine King, Christ gives men clear direction to pray in His Name.  Son of God, Christ promises the Father will answer prayers of men. Divine Physician, Christ offers to give the sick and tormented souls of men, joy and peace.   

Being a Heroic Catholic Man

1) While familiar, be awed by Christ’s astounding claims: He will rise from the dead; He will be with the Father in Heaven; He binds God the Father by promising the Father will answer prayers in Christ’s name.  

2) Jesus, whose name literally means “God saves”, confirms the power of praying in His Holy Name. During Easter, reflect upon the Holy Name of Jesus (CCC 430-435, 2614-2615, 2665-2669) and pray for Christ to help you keep His name on your mind and heart. 

3) While many are confused about the necessity of loving Christ for salvation, Christ confirms that the Father loves those who first (“because”) love and believe in the Son. During Easter, reaffirm the truth that There is No Salvation Outside the Church (CCC 846-848) and pray for Christ to help you be an effective evangelist, bringing many people to His Holy Catholic Church.