REV. FR. GABRIEL AZEEZ

Can we ever be excluded totally from the troubles of life? Is it possible to have no traumatic issues in our life? These and many other questions continue to evolve in our heart each day as we wake up as Christians.

Dear beloved in Christ, today is the fifth Sunday in Easter season.  The introduction of today’s gospel reading is very consoling and spirit-lifting as Jesus looks at us today and says, “Do not let your hearts be troubled” Jn 14:1. He says this because He understands perfectly well what life could be.

 

After observing his apostles, he knows that they will pass through tough and rough moments after his departure and there is need for someone to give them hope and words of assurance. If I am not mistaken, some of us, if not all have one thing or the other that keeps disturbing our peaceful soul and mind. Some are sick, some are afraid of tomorrow. The heart feels like small boat on the sea storm. But Jesus does not leave us to sink. He tells us, “Trust in God, trust also in me.”

 

Coming to the first reading of today, the early Church also had their own fair share of the trouble. The widows were not getting enough food Acts 6:1. People began to complain. It looks like the house would scatter. But the apostles did not bury their heads in the sand. They solved the problem. Why? Because when there is a will, there is a way. With God, every problem has an answer. Do you think yours is bigger than what God can do? Oh no, he is able and capable to grant you rest that your heart deserves.

 

Even though we want Jesus to solve all our troubles, we too have a role to play because the apostles didn’t fold their hands today, they sprang into action by choosing seven men full of the Spirit to serve the tables. Stephen, Philip, and others began to help. The apostles said, “It is not right for us to leave prayer to serve food” Acts 6:2. So they shared the work. This teaches us something simple: you cannot clap with one hand. God’s work needs all of us. If one person tries to carry the whole load, he will soon drop the ball. So, don’t say, I have given the work to God without taking responsibility on what you need to do as well.

 

Are you feeling like an abandoned project? St. Peter has something to share with you in the second reading. He says, “Come to Him, a living stone and like living stones, let yourselves be built into a spiritual house” 1 Pt 2:4-5. A stone on the ground does nothing. But when the builder picks it, it becomes part of a house. That is what God is doing with you. He is building you into His home. Maybe you feel like a rejected stone. People said you are not good enough. But God says, “The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone” 1 Pt 2:7. So, don’t throw in the towel. God is not finished with you yet. Rome was not built in a day, and God builds us slowly with love. He takes our broken pieces and makes something strong. When your heart is troubled, remember: you are chosen, you are precious, you belong in God’s house.

 

What troubled the Apostles? The apostles were troubled because Jesus said He was leaving. Thomas said, “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?” Jn 14:5. Jesus answered, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life” Jn 14:6. Think of it like this: if you are lost in the forest at night, you need a road, a light, and a guide. Jesus is all three. He is the road to the Father. He is the light that shows us truth. He is the life that keeps us walking. Philip still said, “Show us the Father” Jn 14:8. Jesus replied, “Whoever has seen me has seen the Father” Jn 14:9. So do not let your heart be troubled. You are not walking alone. Jesus is that Friend. He has gone to prepare a place for you Jn 14:2. Your future is safe in His hands.

Coming back to the questions asked at the beginning of this reflection, the answer is NO. Jesus said in Jn. 16:33, in this life there are many troubles, but take heart, I have overcome all. So what do we need to do? First, bring your troubles to Jesus. A problem shared with Him is a problem solved. Second, play your part in the Church. Don’t sit on the fence. Serve, pray, love. Many hands make light work. Third, trust the way. Even when you do not see the whole road, take one step with Jesus. As we say, “Little by little, the bird builds its nest.” Your peace will grow step by step. May God grant us all peaceful weekdays ahead. Amen. Shalom.