FIFTH SUNDAY OF EASTER: IS YOUR HEART TROUBLED?

READINGS AT MASS TODAY

Acts 6:1-7

Psalm 33

1 Pt. 2:4-9

John 14: 1-12

Theme:

IS YOUR HEART TROUBLED?

Dear friends in Christ, N'wokafu YESU KRISTO...

Today's Gospel is one of the most consoling sermons delivered by Jesus Christ during His earthly ministry. It is was an encouragement and an assurance to the disciples as troubled days loomed. Jesus had just informed them about His iminent departure, Peter's betrayal and the approach of Judas - a friend turned traitor. The disciples and probably their Master were greatly troubled by these revelations. It was at this point that Jesus turned to them with this great message of encouragement, "Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me."

Beloved in Christ, mortal men are bound to face dark days and stormy seas in which their hearts will be terrified and they will be scared to death. At this point those who come with encouraging sermons must also come with a REASON. There is but only one reason for which the heart of mortal men must not be troubled. Jesus not only commands us to get rid of our fears; He has also given us a reason. He says: "Believe in God and believe also in me." Our Faith and Trust in God and in Jesus Christ, the Son is a sure anchor that calms a troubled heart.

The Greek word that was translated to mean "troubled" in our text can also mean "tossed around" to refer to how ships are tossed about in troubled seas. The human heart is bound to be tossed about with fear and anxiety in difficult times. But faith in God, like a heavy anchor, keeps it steady.

The global problem of COVID-19 is causing many hearts to be troubled. Many are the hearts that are anxious about the uncertainties, many are the hearts that are stressed and many more are the hearts that are worried. In this time of a global pandemic, the Words of Jesus come to our troubled hearts as an encouragement and also as a sure reason to remain calm and optimistic, "Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me..."

PRAYER

Lord God, you look upon those who revere you and hope in your love to rescue their souls from death, and to keep them alive in famine. Calm our hearts in this time of a global pandemic. Amen.

May God bless you.

- Rev. Fr. Kenneth Debre

Sunday, May 10, 2020.

Holy Rosary Parish, Hohoe.