"I have conquered the world."

     In the Gospel of John today, in preparation for the difficulties that would soon befall them, Jesus tells his disciples that he and the Father are one, and thus he is never alone.  Then he says "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."

     Two things come to mind: first, that because evil and pain and distress and persecution are so rampant, that maybe Jesus is too far from us and that we may be on our own.  And yet in this past Sunday's Gospel we heard his prayer for and desire for unity between ourselves and God.  He does not speak of distance or separation but of unity and oneness.  The second thought that comes into play is that the world thinks that it has won, maybe the battle cannot be brought to victory, maybe all is lost.  And yet, today he clearly states that he has "conquered the world".  No doubt.

     The skirmishes will continue, the evil one is under the delusion of dominance, we may be discounted, but the truth and the reality is quite different.  Christ has died ... Christ is Risen ... Christ will come again.  His death is our victory over sin and death ... his rising is our promise of new life ... and his promise of coming again is our promise of unity and peace.  Rest assured!  Be strong!