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Manila Bulletin devider Opinion devider Take courage, I have conquered the world

Take courage, I have conquered the world

Published Jun 2, 2025 12:05 am  |  Updated Jun 1, 2025 03:47 pm
REFLECTIONS TODAY
How does one muster courage in the midst of life’s difficulties? Where does one draw strength when battered by life’s storms? From one’s wealth? From one’s power? But what if one does not have these? It can only be from one’s faith or dependence on someone who is more powerful than these obstacles. In today’s Gospel, Jesus encourages his disciples to hold on, precisely, to take courage (Greek tharseite). And why? Because he said, “I have conquered (Greek nenikēka) the world” (v 33). We know that Jesus’ greatest victory is over death itself, but even before that happened, he already declared his victory over every evil. These words should make us strong and steadfast amidst possible trials as disciples of Christ. No matter how desperate the situation seems to be, we must cling on to Jesus’ words and his victory. We can rely on his words because he is truthful. Indeed, he is the Truth (Jn 14:6), the Truth that sets us free.
First Reading • Acts 19:1-8
While Apollos was in Corinth, Paul traveled through the interior of the country and down to Ephesus where he found some disciples. He said to them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you became believers?” They answered him, “We have never even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.” He said, “How were you baptized?” They replied, “With the baptism of John.” Paul then said, “John baptized with a baptism of repentance, telling the people to believe in the one who was to come after him, that is, in Jesus.” When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. And when Paul laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied. Altogether there were about twelve men.
He entered the synagogue, and for three months debated boldly with persuasive arguments about the Kingdom of God.
Responsorial Psalm • Ps 68
“Sing to God, O kingdoms of the earth.” or “Alleluia.”
Gospel • Jn 16:29-33
The disciples said 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.” Jesus answered them, “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.”
Source: “365 Days with the Lord 2025,” St. Paul’s, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 632-895-9701; E-mail: [email protected]; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.
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