Jesus never gave up on them

This is one of the most comforting and foundational messages in scripture.

No matter how far people stray, how many mistakes they make,

or how many times they fail, Jesus consistently pursues them

with patience, grace, and relentless love.

 

＊＊＊ 1st Reading ＊＊＊     

Acts 19:1-8

While Apollos was in Corinth,

Paul traveled through the interior of the country and came to Ephesus.

There, he found some disciples, whom he asked, "Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you became believers?"

They answered, "We have not even heard that anyone may receive the Holy Spirit." Paul then asked,

"What kind of baptism have you received?" And they answered, "The baptism of John."

 

Paul then explained, "John's baptism was for conversion, but he himself said

they should believe in the one who was to come, and that one is Jesus."

Upon hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.

Then Paul laid his hands on them and the Holy Spirit came down upon them;

and they began to speak in tongues and to prophesy. There were about twelve of them in all.

Paul went into the synagogue; and for three months he preached and discussed there boldly,

trying to convince them about the kingdom of God.

 

Ps 68:2-3ab, 4-5acd, 6-7ab

Sing to God, O kingdoms of the earth.

 

＊＊＊ Gospel ＊＊＊       

John 16:29-33

The disciples said to him, "Now you are speaking plainly and not in veiled language!

Now we see that you know all things, even before we question you.

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

Jesus answered them, "You say that you 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, for the Father is with me.

I have told you all this, so that in me you may have peace.

You will have trouble in the world; but, courage! I have overcome the world."

 

Gospel Reflection ：

Jesus never gave up on them.

We believe that Jesus experienced a wide range of human emotions, including sadness.

In this Gospel episode, Jesus sensed that one of his closest friends would betray him.

He also recognized that his disciples, whom he regarded as dear friends,

would soon abandon him while he hung on the cross. Despite these painful realities,

Jesus never gave up on them. He loved them for who they were, striving to understand their weaknesses.

 

He encouraged them to take courage, even in the face of trials and temptations.

Today, we are also invited to trust in Jesus as we acknowledge our limitations.

God embraces our entire being, including our sinfulness.

His love for us will never fade and will always guide us toward restoration.