The Burden of the Great Things

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Easter Season:  Sixth  Week :  Wednesday*

*Gospel : Jn 16:12-15*

*First Reading : Acts 17:15, 22-18:1*

*Responsorial Psalm : Ps 148:1-2, 11-12, 13, 14*

*The Burden of the Great Things*

*“I have much more to tell you, but you cannot bear it now.*

*1) The Nature of Spiritual Growth*

Jesus knew the disciples’ hearts and limitations. 

They were still immature in their understanding of His mission and the kingdom of God. 

Like a wise teacher, Jesus gives only what they are ready to receive.

God’s revelation is progressive. He does not overwhelm us with truths we are not prepared to handle. 

Like the disciples, we grow in stages—mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.

*2) The Coming of the Holy Spirit*

Immediately after this verse, Jesus promises the Holy Spirit:

*“But when he comes, the Spirit of truth, he will guide you to all truth...”* (John 16:13)

The Spirit would be the one to help them understand truths that were too heavy for them at that moment.

We sometimes expect immediate clarity, but God sends His Spirit to guide us step by step. 

Divine truth is not just taught; it must also be spiritually discerned

*3) The Burden of the Cross*

Some things Jesus may have wanted to reveal included the full implications of His Passion, the persecution they would face, and the suffering of the Church.

Jesus spares His disciples until they are ready. In our lives, too, God often withholds certain challenges or truths until we are spiritually equipped to endure them

*4) The Mysterious Wisdom of God*

St. Paul later echoes this dynamic:

*“I fed you with milk, not solid food, for you were not ready for it.”* (1 Corinthians 3:2)

And in 1 Corinthians 2:6-10, he says *God’s wisdom is hidden and revealed to the mature through the Spirit.*

God’s wisdom is not always accessible to the unprepared heart.

Sometimes, the *“not yet”* of God is an act of mercy.

*5)The Inclusion of the Gentiles*

The idea that the Kingdom of God would include all nations, not just Israel, was revolutionary. This truth came gradually.

Acts 10: Peter’s vision and the conversion of Cornelius show how the Spirit revealed this “more” later.

The fullness of God's plan is often bigger than our expectations. 

Sometimes we can’t bear the *“more”* because it challenges our assumptions.

*6) The Role of the Church and Suffering for the Gospel*

The disciples would later learn that they, too, would suffer greatly for the sake of Christ. 

Jesus had hinted at this, but the full weight of it was too much at the moment.

Acts 9:16 (about Paul): “I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.”

The path of discipleship involves not only joy but also sacrificial love. 

This was something they had to grow into.

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*