Today is the Sixth Sunday after Easter which is to say that the Easter season continues: the time of resurrection, the time of new life, and the time of hope which is certain and true. But have you noticed that while we continue in our hope in the risen Christ that our common experience in this life fights against hope? We confess life, but the world throws death at us! We confess hope, but the world stirs up fear and sorrow!

Our Gospel tomorrow is John 16:23-33. In this Scripture our Lord is recorded as saying at verse 33: “In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

The answer to the world’s counter to our faith is to counter back — yes, we are indeed in a good fight — with the Word of Christ. His powerful and enduring Word says that we may take heart that we are in Christ who has overcome the world. This is why we abide in the Word; this is why we faithfully receive the Holy Sacrament; and this is why we remain steadfast in prayer.

“Take heart,” Jesus says, “[for] I have overcome the world.”

Pastor Mueller and I hope to see you in God’s house tomorrow morning.

In Jesus’ Love,

Pastor Espinosa