Monday of the Seventh Week of Easter
OR Optional Memorial of Saints Marcellinus and Peter, Martyrs
John 16: 29-33
The world cannot conquer us, because Christ has conquered it

As we step into the final week before Pentecost, we are invited to lift our hearts. The Ascension does not mark the absence of Jesus—it multiplies His presence in us through the Holy Spirit. This is not a time for folded arms or hearts closed in fear. The Risen Lord calls us to rise, to open ourselves to the Spirit, and to carry His light into the shadows of the world.

In the Gospel today, we hear the Lord’s final words before His Passion: “In the world you will have trouble, but take courage: I have conquered the world.” What tenderness and strength! Jesus does not deny that suffering will come. He does not promise an easy path. But He does give us something far more powerful—His peace. Not a fleeting comfort, but the deep peace that comes from union with the Father.

Let us not be naïve. We still live in a world wounded by division, war, greed, and injustice. Many hearts are weary. The disciples of Jesus today still face opposition, confusion, even persecution. But we are not alone. The Holy Spirit strengthens us from within, reminding us that love is stronger than hate, hope deeper than despair.

Yes, the disciples once scattered in fear. They thought they understood—and yet their understanding was shallow. But the Lord, patient and faithful, turned their scattering into a sending. He transformed their weakness into mission.

And so today, we too are sent—to be bearers of peace, not fear; to sow hope where the world sees only defeat. The Spirit is alive. Christ is victorious. And no darkness can overcome His light.

Take courage. The world has not conquered you. Instead, Christ already has.
Amen.

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Cum Approbatione Ecclesiastica 2025