FIFTH SUNDAY OF EASTER, YR A
Acts 6:1-7; Ps 32
1st Pt. 2:4-9; John 14:1-12
DO NOT LET YOUR HEARTS BE TROUBLED
The text of the gospel reading is from the farewell discourse of Jesus; Jesus washed their feet, he mentioned that one of them will betray him, he will be with them only for a little while and where he was going, they cannot come (Jn 13:33). As if that was not enough, when Peter avowed to give his life for him, he predicted that he (Peter) would deny him even before the morning (Jn 13:36-38). If even their leader and spokesman was going to deny the Lord how could they trust themselves.
The above context shows forth the inadequacies and limitations of the disciples in their dealing with Jesus. It also reflected their own anxieties and fears. Jesus responds to their anxieties when he says “do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, trust also in me”.
Like the disciples, we too have moments of confusion in our lives and the Lord assures us not to be afraid. This may seem unrealistic. Because sometimes our troubles overwhelm us.
We are faced with a global threat to our health and economies in such a way that we are all helpless. Many people have lost their lives and that of their loved ones this year due to covid-19. Many of families mourn the death of their loved ones alone. Our lives have been disrupted in a way that we could never have imagined.
On a personal level we all have our troubles to deal with. We trouble with our work, our subordinates or bosses. We have troubles with our family members, marriages and relationships. We are broken sometimes by disappointments and feel helpless in the face of all life’s challenges. We have troubles even in church. In fact, the first reading records trouble in the Church after Jesus departed. Whatever challenge you may be going through, Jesus says, “do not let your heart be troubled”.
Does he know our situation? Oh yes. He knows all our anxieties and fears. He has seen all there is to experience about human difficulties. He who is true love has seen betrayal with an act of love, he knows what it means to be rejected and denied. He knows that feeling of helplessness. That is why he calls us to faith in him. It is faith in him that will strengthen us in our moments of trouble. Jesus has triumphed over all human difficulties even death.
When he calls us to faith in him, he calls us to a personal relationship with him. He wants us to be with him. He invites us into the communion he has with the father. He wants us to remain in him as he is in the father. Jesus alone is the way to true peace and communion with the Father. He is the only reason we feel good about ourselves again. The peace, joy and goodness we seek is found in Jesus alone.
Whatever fears and anxieties you may have, Jesus says, “do not be afraid”.
Whatever your troubles maybe, Jesus says over and over again, “do not let your hearts be troubled”.
You may feel alone and left out, Jesus says, “Do not be afraid”.
Let us turn to Jesus, who alone does not betray, deny or abandon us. Let us put our trust in him for he can help us.
God bless you.
By Fr. Delight Arnold Carbonu
