Daily Gospel Reflection

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April 30, 2024

Tuesday of Fifth Week of Easter
Jn 14:27-31
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Jesus said to his disciples:
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.
Not as the world gives do I give it to you.
Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid.
You heard me tell you,
‘I am going away and I will come back to you.’
If you loved me,
you would rejoice that I am going to the Father;
for the Father is greater than I.
And now I have told you this before it happens,
so that when it happens you may believe.
I will no longer speak much with you,
for the ruler of the world is coming.
He has no power over me,
but the world must know that I love the Father
and that I do just as the Father has commanded me.”

Reflection

Stephen Nugent, J.D. '24
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Nothing comes from Jesus in the way that we expect it to. This is a recurring theme throughout the gospels, and again here, we see that the gift of peace the apostles receive from Jesus does not come in the way they expected. After blessing them with peace, Jesus tells them that he is leaving and that they should rejoice at this.

Understandably the disciples are inclined to be troubled and afraid, but Jesus counsels them to rejoice and to have faith in the lessons they have learned. The same lesson can be seen in the blessings bestowed upon each and every one of us.

Although God’s love is eternal, the blessings we receive are not. There are times and seasons appointed to everything. And though it may trouble us or make us afraid when it is time to let go of a blessing, our faith should provide us comfort and belief as we walk with Jesus into our next blessing or challenge.

As many fellow Notre Dame students prepare to graduate in the coming weeks, this lesson seems more relevant than ever. Although what we may face next is uncertain and even scary, we have been so incredibly blessed to attend and receive an education at Notre Dame. And as we take our next steps into the world, it is our faith that will guide us as we continue to face each blessing and challenge that lies in our path.

Prayer

Rev. Michael Belinsky, C.S.C.

Dear God, our campus, our neighborhoods, our world longs for the peace that can only come from you. Help us to place our cares and our hearts in your hands. Your Son taught us to trust in you and the mystery of the cross. Help us when we are afraid to trust in you and your promise of new life. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen!