questions

In today's Gospel, the disciples say to Jesus:

“Now you are talking plainly, and not in any figure of speech.
Now we realize that you know everything
and that you do not need to have anyone question you.
Because of this we believe that you came from God.”

And Jesus replies to them (and I think to us):

“Do you believe now?
Behold, the hour is coming and has arrived
when each of you will be scattered to his own home
and you will leave me alone.
But I am not alone, because the Father is with me.
I have told you this so that you might have peace in me.
In the world you will have trouble,
but take courage, I have conquered the world.”

I've been reflecting on this reading most of the day, especially after the homily at this morning's mass and then our shared reflection in morning prayer here at the house. It seems to me that Jesus knows that while he may not feel the need to be pestered by incessant questions, the disciples need to ask them. He is patient with them, just as he is patient with us.

One of my Sisters shared this morning that it's as if Jesus is trying to comfort them, to prepare them for what is to come. He's going to be crucified, they're going to leave him alone at the cross (except of course for the women). But that's not the end of it, because it's bigger than them. They (and we) will have trouble in the world, but take courage.

I take comfort in knowing that even those who were with Jesus day in and day out for years, even those who witnessed his public ministry and soaked up his words while sitting at his feet, even they pestered him with questions. Why suffering? Why does the life of faith seem so hard at times? How does this all fit together? How can we possibly go about building the kingdom of God? It's all so big and overwhelming.

Take courage, he says. Find your peace in me, not in the world. Or as one of my favorite passages from the Hebrew Scriptures says:

For the vision still has its time, presses on to fulfillment, and will not disappoint; If it delays, wait for it, it will surely come, it will not be late. (Habakkuk 2:3)