Reflection on Jn 16:32
Again, Jesus says these words on the evening before His death. It is good to read at least 5 verses before and 5 verses after it so as to perceive the connection. But it is best to read again the whole chapter 16 and 17. Verse 23 is the response to the preceding words of the apostles who confessed their faith in the divine mission of Christ. Jesus points out the weakness of their faith. Light affliction will come and they will be scattered. That night the apostles were scattered and Peter who was a hero at the beginning and followed Jesus gave way to fear for his life in the end and denied Christ amid pressure and hatred towards Christ. But he repented thereafter. Jesus knew the weakness of the apostles and He knows our weakness too. In a crisis, our old nature – i.e. our soul infected by original sin – gives way to fear and does not believe in Christ and His Word.
Where will the apostles flee? What does “one’s own” mean in spiritual terms? It is the innermost of our heart. The Greek original of the Bible expresses it with the term “eis ta idia”. This term is also used in the expression of Christ’s testament from the cross in the last hour of His life: “Behold, your Mother! And from that hour the disciple received her into his own – ‘eis ta idia’.” Never before had a new heart and a new spirit, the Spirit of God, been received into the innermost of one’s heart. John standing by the cross and later on the apostles received a new heart and a new Spirit right there – eis ta idia! We should also receive the kingdom of God into the innermost of our heart: “The kingdom of God is not here or there; the kingdom of God is within you.” (cf. Lk 17:21) “Christ came into His own (ta idia), and His own did not receive Him. But as many as received Him, to them He gave power to be children of God.” (Jn 1:11-12)
“You are the temple of God and the Spirit of God dwells in you.” (1Cor 3:16)
“…that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith.” (Eph 3:17) To put it more precisely: in new hearts.
After receiving the Mother of Jesus and the fullness of the Spirit of God, our spirit unites with the Spirit of God in “eis ta idia” (cf. Rom 8:16). And when we feel fear and retreat into “eis ta idia” with faith, it is a safe refuge. This refuge was the source of strength for martyrs when they resolved to endure even the greatest suffering for the sake of Christ! In “eis ta idia” we unite with the Triune God by faith.
Finally, Jesus adds: “And yet I am not alone, because the Father is with Me.” We likewise are not alone in the hour of trial, but the Father is with us!
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