Student Daily Reflection

[292] Acts 16:22-34;
Ps 138:1-2ab, 2cde-3, 7c-8;
John 16:5-11.

Weekly Guide for Daily Prayer
The Daily Reflections

“But I tell you the truth, it is better for you that I go.”

In today’s Gospel, Jesus is telling the apostles how it is. He does not sugar coat it; doesn’t try to make them feel good about anything. He is directly and frankly telling the apostles what they don’t necessarily want to hear. How often God does this in our lives, as well! Maybe we want a new job, or maybe we want to get married or have another child. Maybe we feel that the lottery is what will benefit our lives the most—what will make us truly happy. How often I find God telling me: “Not now, Savannah. It is better for you that you do not win the lottery today.” These conversations usually follow with a losing argument (losing on my part, of course) where I attempt to persuade and bribe God: “Dear God, I’d pray twice as long, and I’d be a much better person if I didn’t have to worry so much about finances.”

Today, Jesus invites us to trade this “dealing” with God for trust in God. God knows what is “better for us.” His divine plan, while it may not be readily understood, is infinitely better than my own plans and schemes for myself.

Jesus also “tells us the truth.” He doesn’t water anything down, and He doesn’t lie to us. God resides in truth. He exists in reality. Jesus wants to draw us in to the truth, and in to God. The apostles were probably trying to justify their own desires. After all, how bad is it to want Jesus to remain with you forever? God, however, does not exist in these emotional false realities and desires of our hearts. Jesus goes on to tell us and describe for us how much better God’s plan is for the apostles because the Holy Spirit will come.

I pray today for the ability to trust in God’s plan. I pray for the humility to put aside my own wants and desires for an even better plan.

Oremus pro invicem.

Know that you are beautiful and loved so much.