The Audacity of Christ

In the face of death, he has conquered the world.

What audacity.

Jesus just finished telling his disciples things weren’t going to go well soon enough. And we, having the benefit of 20-20 hindsight, know that he’ll indeed face the terror of the cross. He knows this at this point. He will experience pain. He will be shamed and mocked. He will see his disciples scatter and his mother in anguish.

And here he stands, declaring, …be encouraged! I have conquered the world.

Audacious.

Does that speak to this moment for you? Are you anticipating something difficult? Are you anxious? Do the things of men make you shudder? Are you worried for people you care about and love?

Maybe things will indeed be as terrible as you may imagine. Maybe. So what if it is?

And still, from the edge of death, the soon-to-be-crucified one tells us,
Be encouraged! I have conquered the world!

John 16:25-33

“I’ve been using figures of speech with you. The time is coming when I will no longer speak to you in such analogies. Instead, I will tell you plainly about the Father. In that day you will ask in my name. I’m not saying that I will ask the Father on your behalf. The Father himself loves you, because you have loved me and believed that I came from God. I left the Father and came into the world. I tell you again: I am leaving the world and returning to the Father.”

His disciples said, “See! Now you speak plainly; you aren’t using figures of speech. Now we know that you know everything and you don’t need anyone to ask you. Because of this we believe you have come from God.”

Jesus replied, “Now you believe? Look! A time is coming—and is here!—when each of you will be scattered to your own homes and you will leave me alone. I’m not really alone, for the Father is with me. I’ve said these things to you so that you will have peace in me. In the world you have distress. But be encouraged! I have conquered the world.”

Psalm 62:1-2, 5-8

Only in God do I find rest; my salvation comes from him. Only God is my rock and my salvation—my stronghold! I won’t be shaken anymore.

Oh, I must find rest in God only, because my hope comes from him! Only God is my rock and my salvation—my stronghold! I will not be shaken. My deliverance and glory depend on God. God is my strong rock. My refuge is in God.

All you people: Trust in him at all times! Pour out your hearts before him! God is our refuge!

Prayer¹

God,

Give me, good Lord, a humble, lowly, quiet, peaceable, patient, charitable, kind, and true mind—a mind that seeks nothing but to be faithful to you.

Give me the strength to stand firm, the faith to trust you in all things, the courage to face what must come, and the peace that passes understanding.

Though trouble comes, let me not be troubled.
Though suffering comes, let me not lose heart.
For you have overcome the world.

Amen.

1. Adapted from St. Thomas More, martyred for refusing to bow to the King of England, who had declared himself Supreme Head of the Church and demanded recognition by all.