Do not let your hearts be troubled.

Readings: 1st: Acts 13:26-33; Ps: 2; Gos John 14:1-6

This brief reflection was written by Rev. Fr. Njoku Canice Chukwuemeka, C.S.Sp. He is a Catholic Priest and a Member of the Congregation of the Holy Ghost Fathers and Brothers (Spiritans). He is currently working with the Spiritan International Group of Puerto Rico &  Dominican Republic. He is the Administrator of Parroquia La Resurrección del Senor, Canovanas and the Chancellor of the Diocesis of Fajardo-Humacao, Puerto Rico. For more details and comments contact him on: canice_c_njoku@yahoo.com, cancilleriadfh@gmail.com, canicechukwuemeka@gmail.com.

Today, is Friday of the fourth week of Easter. Today’s gospel begins with a very comforting and assuring tone from Jesus.

Christ must have sensed the fear in some of his disciples whose faith in him, and his teachings were still questionable. Their hearts were still full of doubts about his authenticity, and their own future.

He said to them, “do not let your hearts be troubled. Have faith in God. Also, have faith also in me.” Christ’s insistence on using encouraging words is a sign that there was much fear and unbelief among his disciples.

So, he told us that he is going to prepare a place for us and after, he will return to take us to the Father’s house. He is about to return to his father who sent him. However, he wants us to be with Him forever.

While he is away, he will send us the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is the one who acts in us, in such a way that we can live as Christ lived.

Christ’s words about leaving provoked a curious question from Thomas, “Lord, we do not know where you are going, so how can we know the way?” Jesus responded with three important words: I am the way, the truth and the life.

Indeed, without the way, we cannot go. Without the truth one cannot make a good choice. Without life, there is only death! Christ is the way, because “No one can come to the Father except through him.”

He is the gate through which the sheep enter and go out. He is the truth, because looking at Him, we see the image of the Father.

Alleluia, Alleluia!

Peace be with you all!

Maranatha!