Now we know that you know all things and do not need anyone to question you; this is why we believe that you came from God.”Jesus answered them, “Do you now believe? Behold, the hour is coming, indeed it has come, when you will be scattered, each to his own home, and will leave me alone. Yet I am not alone, for the Father is with me. I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

Do I catch an element of doubt in Jesus' voice? “Do you truly believe?” He saw the scattering that would begin in a very short time. Out of His love for His disciples and those of us to come there was a final word of encouragement. “But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

I believe that our brothers and sisters who are undergoing unimaginable martyrdom are holding this final promise in their hearts. They have taken heart.

Today's readings in the Psalms:

Morning: Psalm 87

Mid-day: 119:73-80

Evening: Psalm

13

"Voices Together" is available as an annual daily devotional and can be purchased at theFellowship Of Ailbe bookstore. Please download the weekly edition, formatted as a bi-fold insert and suitable for distribution at https://www.ailbe.org/resources/item/7251-2016-voices-together-weekly-format. It is available on Thursday of the prior week.