Seventh Week of Easter : Monday, 13th May 2024

How do you deal with conflict? Do you compromise? Do you debate? Do you avoid it?

Paul is no stranger to conflict. On his travels, he encountered people who debated his preaching of Jesus and the Kingdom of God and some even tried to kill him. Now, on his third missionary journey, Paul arrives at Ephesus. The followers there knew about John’s baptism of repentance but are unaware of important elements of the faith in Jesus. So, Paul baptizes them in the name of the Lord Jesus and lays hands on them –they receive the Holy Spirit!

In the Gospel, Jesus is speaking to the Apostles at the Last Supper, He is about to be treated cruelly and suffer the passion. Jesus tells His friends that they too will face conflict, and people will attack them – adversity lies ahead. But, Jesus also gives them good news. Jesus is greater than any suffering that they will face: “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (v33).

Indeed, the early Christians faced much adversity –they were exiled, had internal conflicts, were persecuted and tortured. How did they survive? It was the faith that God the Father, the Holy Spirit and Jesus were with them. The Holy Trinity is with us too.

What is the biggest conflict in my life at this time?

Jesus, You have overcome the world. Protect me when I face conflict. Bless me with strength, wisdom and love.