Readings: Acts 19:1-8; Psalm 68; John 16:29-33.
The Gospel reading (John 16:29-33) opens with the disciples of Jesus confessing that they now believed in his divinity because he had proven to them that He is Omniscient.
Jesus stood on that affirmation and made a further declaration. He told them that a time would come when their faith would be shaken and they would abandon him. He told them further;
‘I have told you all this
so that you may find peace in me.
In the world you will have trouble,
but be brave: I have conquered the world.’
This statement was made to the disciples but by accurate extension, it applies to us. In this world, Jesus says we shall battle with so much; we may have to deal with troubles, crises, challenges and oppositions. Our faith in God, like the disciples will not exclude us from the stress embedded in earthly existence. But here is the good news, Jesus has promised us peace and victory.
Two things Jesus is saying to someone right now;
- Come to me, trust me, ask me for peace. You will find in me the peace you need in the midst of your challenges.
- Face your troubles as a conqueror. Anything you are going through, keep in mind that I have already conquered and you will conquer too.
How can we have this faith, forbearance and peace?
They are fruits of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit produces and vivifies them in us.
In the first reading, the Spirit came upon the disciples in Ephesus and they spoke in tongues and prophesied. When the Spirit comes upon us or when he is re-awakened in us, it will manifest in divine abilities and excellent fruits and gifts that would be revived in us.
We ask God to send forth his Holy Spirit to rekindle in us the fire of his love
Sermon preached by Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Okami on May 25, 2020