Fr Paul reads from John’s Gospel (16: 29-33), in which Jesus tells the disciples they will have trouble in the world but they are to be brave for he conquered the world.

This reading brings us to the end of this second version of the Last Supper discourse. It ends with an inspiring reassurance of the teaching, which we have been given by Jesus.  The themes throughout this discourse have been love and belief. Fr Paul notes that these are also the themes of this Easter season, which is drawing to a close.

Now as we hear in the Gospel the disciples are to be scattered all around the world on their mission to continue the work of Jesus but they must and always rest sure in Jesus because of his union with the Father as he explains in today’s Gospel.

We are now ready for the coming of the Spirit at Pentecost.