The details of Worldly Troubles : In the world you will have trouble

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Easter Season:  Seventh Week :  Monday*

*Gospel : Jn 16:29-33*

*First Reading : Acts 19:1-8*

*Responsorial Psalm : Ps 68:2-3ab, 4-5acd, 6-7ab*

*The details of Worldly Troubles*

*In the world you will have trouble*

*1) Persecution for Faith*

From Jesus’ view, one of the chief *troubles* His followers will face is persecution—being hated, rejected, or attacked because of their loyalty to Him.

Today, Christians in many parts of the world face open hostility—ranging from social exclusion to imprisonment and martyrdom—simply for practicing their faith.

*2) Spiritual Opposition*

Jesus knew that following Him puts believers in conflict with forces of evil.

Believers face temptation, doubt, spiritual warfare, and attacks that seek to undermine their faith and identity in Christ. 

These are often subtle—discouragement, moral compromise, confusion.

*3) Hatred of Truth and Righteousness*

Jesus came as the Light of the World, but He said people loved darkness instead of light (John 3:19).

The world resists the truth because it exposes sin.

There is increasing cultural hostility to biblical truth—on issues of morality, justice, identity, and salvation.

Speaking the truth in love often brings backlash.

*4)  Internal Trials: Sorrow, Grief, and Loneliness*

Jesus also knew His disciples would suffer emotional and psychological trials—sorrow at loss, pain in waiting, struggle in obedience.

Christians, like all people, face sickness, grief, loss of loved ones, mental health struggles—but with the added challenge of walking in hope when it feels like the world is falling apart.

*5) The Burden of Living in a Broken World*

Jesus’ troubles include the suffering that comes from being in a fallen creation—not always from sin, but from the world's broken condition.

War, poverty, injustice, corruption, ecological disaster, disease—these affect the believers. 

Part of Christian trouble is feeling the burden of this pain while trying to bring hope.

*6) Divided Allegiances and Isolation*

Jesus said His followers are “not of the world” (John 17:14). 

That brings tension—believers are called to live in the world but not like the world.

Christians may feel out of place—pressured to conform, isolated in their values, or misunderstood for their convictions.

*7) In Summary*

From Jesus' perspective, the "troubles" we face are:

The cost of discipleship in a world that resists God.

The pain of walking in holiness amidst corruption.

The burden of love and truth in a darkened world.

The sorrow of loss, but with the promise of joy to come.

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*