“I Have overcome the world”

Jesus told us that in Him we shall find peace (cf. Jn. 16:33), continuing that “you will suffer in the world. But take courage! I have overcome the world.” Has he really overcome the world? I believe so. How? Through His death and resurrection He has opened Heaven’s gate for us all; also, because the bigger number in the world are those who freely chose to become Christians, without being forced at all. This is not a matter of force or pressure. Jesus’ attitude is one of love and gentleness, to invite people to the truths about God and our final destiny, this being done with full respect to each person’s free conscience, unlike the forces of terror that arms themselves with threatening death-dealing tactics.

It may take time to discover the truth but with time and patience we shall be victorious. As St. Faustina expresses in her Diary, Divine Mercy in My Soul (1514), “I have learned that the greatest power is hidden in patience. I see that patience always leads to victory, although not immediately, but victory will become manifest after many years. Patience is linked to meekness.” Jesus has conquered sin and death because He died and rose from death for the sake of truth and love. Those who follow Jesus willingly are there because they sincerely seek for the “truth that sets us free” (Jn. 8:32), and the Reign of God that declares ‘Fortunate are the meek and gentle, they shall possess the land’ (Mt. 5:5).