Jesus said to his disciples, “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You have faith in God; have faith also in me.”
Today’s Gospel is one that is frequently proclaimed at funeral masses. In that setting, this passage appears to be oblivious and insensitive to both the historical context of the gospel and the emotions of the mourners. In John’s gospel, Jesus speaks these words to his apostles on the night of the Last Supper immediately after three disturbing revelations; the announcement of Judas’ betrayal, Jesus’ declaration that he will only be with them a little while longer and the prediction of Peter’s betrayal. How could their hearts not be troubled? Any one of these statements is troubling enough – all three are devastating.
Why then does Jesus make such a contradictory statement? Furthermore, how could we preach these words to those who have lost a loved one? Jesus does respond to those worries. He tells them he is going to prepare a place for them in his Father’s house with its many dwelling places. He also assures them that they already know the way to where he is going, because in knowing him, they know the way. Finally, Jesus promises that he will gather them to himself. In short, Jesus is asking them to see beyond the sorrow and confusion. Jesus’ response is an invitation to envision the bigger picture, beyond the darkness of this moment.
Obviously, we have reasons to have troubled hearts. We worry about people in our lives, economic worries, global and local conflicts. Our hearts are heavy when we mourn loved ones and when marriages are broken. Loss and worry cultivate troubled hearts.
Like the apostles, we hear the response of Jesus calling us to hope in him, to see the big picture beyond this dark moment. While the reassurance of our Lord is helpful and hopeful, our feelings echo the response of Phillip. “Master, show us the Father, and that will be enough for us.” Just take away the mystery, Lord. Give us a sign. Let us know when this will all be over.
Jesus expresses frustration to Phillip because the works of Jesus are the works of God. What are the works of God? As Father, Son and Holy Spirit, God gives and creates life, restores life through reconciliation and healing, and enriches our life’s meaning through the empowerment of the Holy Spirit and by inviting us to share in the Lord’s saving mission.
So, amid all of life’s worries, we are challenged to engage in life-giving activities rather than death-dealing ones. We are challenged to put meaning into life rather than just stick it out. Out of love for the Lord who saves us and for those whom he has given to us, it is up to us to see where and how we have seen new life during dark days. When and how in our lives have we encountered healing and reconciliation, particularly in our relationships? How have we observed ourselves and others responding with generosity and sacrifice for others? Where have we experienced actions that have helped to alleviate the suffering?
The admonition to not let our hearts be troubled is not insensitive to sorrow. It is an invitation to faith and observance of the work of God unfolding around us. It is a challenge to respond to our worry by recommitting ourselves to share in the mission to be life-giving, reconciling and empowering.
FIRST HOLY COMMUNIONS – This weekend we celebrate the last of our 10 First Holy Communion liturgies. I congratulate the children and their parents on these blessed celebrations. I also express my thanks to the catechists of these children as well as our Faith Formation Administrator Grace Rozea and the Faith Formation staff for their dedicated efforts.
FEDERAL SCHOLARSHIP TAX CREDIT – Starting in 2027, the new Federal Scholarship Tax Credit will let taxpayers redirect up to $1,700 of their federal income taxes to nonprofit scholarship organizations that provide tuition assistance for students in Catholic schools. Therefore, a taxpayer could direct $1,700 to scholarships instead of sending it to the federal government, directly helping families afford a Catholic education and even additional services at public schools. But New York families will miss out unless the governor opts in. Governor Hochul’s participation would bring new scholarship dollars to Catholic schools, easing financial pressure on families and expanding access to faith-based education.
Tell Governor Hochul to opt in and support Catholic school families (further information in the bulletin).
Peace!
