Readings: Acts 14:19-28, Ps. 145:10-13a,21, John 14:27-31
“Peace, I leave with you; my peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” (John 14:27)
In our Gospel passage today, we hear Jesus talking to us about Peace, and He explicitly mentions that the peace He wants us to have is different from the peace that the world can afford. This peace keeps you going no matter the trials and difficulties you experience.
Paul is a classic example of a person with this type of peace. He was stoned by his fellow Jews and dragged out of the city, and the people assumed he was dead. The following day, he regained consciousness and returned to the same town where he was dragged out, “strengthening the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith, and saying that through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God.”
How can we possibly accept the many tribulations that are part of the road to heaven? The only solution is to have the Peace that only Jesus can give. Our persecutions become light, and we can handle our trials as Paul did. We are ready for anything and determined to continue to serve God forever.
Are you facing tribulations in living out your Christian convictions and upholding Christlike moral standards? Jesus says, “Let not your heart be troubled.” Do not panic, surrender completely to God. Trust that God, who permits these trials, has what it takes to end them or bring something good from them. Trust that your difficulties today are helping to shape a better tomorrow.
St. Paul did not turn his back on God after he was stoned and left for dead. Today, Christians move from church to church because of minor challenges. Some even drop their faith completely due to unanswered prayers. This is not how Christians should behave. Many Christians are so deeply in love with this world that they cannot withstand even the slightest discomfort for God’s sake.
No wonder St. John said, “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father but of the world. And the world passes away,” (1 John 2:15-17)
Develop a thick skin ready to handle “spiritual stress” during moments of tribulation. Be willing, like Job, to accept whatever comes your way, knowing that God remains forever your loving Father. Let not your hearts be troubled. Challenges are part of life. If the road is too smooth, the journey would be tedious. Just keep moving. Tough times don’t last, but tough people do.
Above all, never take your eyes off the mansions Jesus Christ has prepared for us. No matter how sweet and lovely this world becomes, it still cannot be compared to the eternal bliss of heaven, and we will still leave it when Jesus comes to take us to Himself. Why do you stress over something that doesn’t last? (cf. Mark 8:36)
Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, fill our hearts with your peace so that we may never be discouraged by trials. We ask this through Our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. May God’s abundant blessings be upon us all. (Tuesday of the 5th week of Eastertide, Liturgical Colour: White. Bible Study: Acts 14:19-28, Ps. 145:10-13a,21, John 14:27-31).
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu