Do not be troubled

“Do not let your hearts be troubled!” (Jn 14:1). These comforting words of Jesus would truly help overcome the overwhelming worries, sorrows, anxieties and diverse problems and crises in life, especially unexpected incidents of threats to life, or summary execution because of drugs. The moments of crying pain and despair would also be calls for accompanying words and actions of consolation and hope. The words of Jesus indeed give meaning to people in a desperate situation.

When Philip pleads, “Lord, show us the Father” (Jn 14:8), Jesus replies “Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father” (Jn 14:11). This shows that God is not far away or distant. Jesus identifies himself with a most merciful Father to whom he was completely obedient. The signs and works he did are the work of the Father. In Jesus, the Father walks with the poor and the marginalized people excluded in various cultures of the world, the suffering, oppressed and persecuted of society, to uplift them with hope. This was experienced by the two disciples going to Emmaus who were in darkness, feeling that the end of the world had come to them. What did Jesus do? He accompanied them in their sorrow and shared the words of hope, comfort and consolation.

During the Easter season, Jesus has been comforting us with his words as the bread of Life, the Good Shepherd, the Vine for us the branches, as he daily accompanies us in our thoughts and aspirations throughout our earthly journey, and gives us his Body and Blood in the Eucharist. As we contemplate his sayings, let us strive to become authentic witnesses of the Resurrection to a world very much in need of God’s consoling touch through us. As followers and friends of the Risen Lord, let us remember that the Reign of God—a kingdom of love, peace, unity and justice begins with us. In the end Jesus will proclaim and reward those who have shared the Father’s love with those in need, saying: “Whatever you do to the least of my brothers and sisters you do unto me” (Mt 25:40). “Hope in God, for I shall again praise him, my help and my God (Ps 43).