Let's admit it: in the historical landscape in which we live and from which we receive increasingly alarming news every day, this Word seems almost out of tune. Indeed, everything leads us to become discouraged, trapped between the insecurity of situations that overwhelm us and performance expectations that condition us.
The Gospel of John presents a similar setting, with the apostles gathered around Jesus during the Last Supper. In this scene, brotherhood and betrayal, self-sacrifice and the darkness of evil unfold dramatically. Jesus delivers a final discourse to prepare them for the trial of his Passion, but assures them that he will return. He himself warns them: in the world They may be devastated by storms and disappointments, but in Him they will always find peace and abundant life.
His words are a promise that gives hope:
«Take heart! I have overcome the world».
If external circumstances and our weaknesses cause us fear and suffering, Jesus invites us to entrust ourselves to Him, to recognize even today the signs of His presence in our lives, in order to have a new perspective on reality.
Chiara Lubich writes: «If there is a mysterious reality in our lives, it is pain. […] And in many cases, those who are close to us and love us are unable to help us resolve it; however, it is enough for someone to share it with us, even in silence. This is what Jesus did: he drew near to every man and woman, even sharing everything we had. Moreover, he took on all our pain and became our pain, even crying out: “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?””Mt 27, 46). […] Every physical, moral, or spiritual pain reminds me of Him; it is His presence, His face. I can say: “In this pain, I love you, Jesus, forsaken. It is you who comes to visit me and makes my pain your own. And that is why I love you, I embrace you!” If, in addition, we are attentive to loving, to responding to His grace, to wanting what God wants of us in the next moment, to living our lives for Him, we experience that, in most cases, the pain disappears. And this is because loving draws the gifts of the Spirit: joy, light, peace.»[1].
«Take heart! I have overcome the world».
Even in moments of darkness, let us allow Him within us to conquer evil with good, to overcome the temptation to close our hearts, to become a neighbor to our brothers and sisters and serve them with love, both in small daily actions and in social commitment to the common good.
Mutual love within the community also testifies to the Lord's closeness and encourages us. This is the experience of young Javier from the Dominican Republic:
«I was visiting my cousin and decided to climb a wall in the yard, but it collapsed and crushed my right leg. At the hospital, I told my parents I couldn’t bear the pain. My father gently said, «It’s like sharing in Jesus» suffering: try to embrace it.» When I woke up, I realized my leg was gone. At first, I cried a lot, but gradually I felt an inner peace and trusted that God had a plan for me. Thanks to the love and support of the young people in our community and others around the world, I now have a temporary prosthesis, and in a few months, I’ll have a permanent one. Life at home has been gradually returning to normal. I help with household chores, I’m close to my family, and I’ve even been able to finish my classes with excellent grades. Everyone—my family, my friends, and the hospital staff—has been amazed by the calm and positive attitude I’ve tried to maintain.”.
Letizia Magri and the Word of Life team
[1] C. Lubich, Word of Life, March 2005: Words of Life/2 (1991-2006) (ed. F. Ciardi), next edition.
