Let Not Our Hearts be Troubled
by Fr. David M. Knight
Friday, November 22, 2024
Thirty-Third Week of the Year
Saint Cecilia, Virgin and Martyr
Rv 10:8-11/Lk 19:45-48 (Lectionary 501)
Revelation 10:8-11: The writer says that the scroll he ate was “sweet as honey in my mouth, but when I had eaten it, my stomach was made bitter.” This is because it predicted victory, but only after a painful struggle.
Here, in brief, is the general rule of Christian life: One attains beatitude and glory only after being tested by the cross.
This is why, in the Our Father, after asking for the “Bread of the banquet” in the triumph of total, universal reconciliation at the “wedding feast of the Lamb,” we add “Save us from the time of trial. And deliver us from evil.” Jesus has already won the victory; he has triumphed over sin and death. But we enter into that victory through a final conflict with evil. We ask the Father to make it easier for us.
And we can trust he will. Otherwise, Jesus would not have told us to ask for it. We don’t have to fear or be nervous about the conflicts ahead of us. Victory does not depend on our strength, but God’s. We just have to accustom ourselves to surrendering to him: to his thoughts, ideals, inspirations. What we cannot do ourselves, we ask Jesus to do with us, in us and through us.
It is a principle of the spiritual life that discouragement is never from God. The phrase “Do not be afraid, do not fear” appears 105 times in Scripture, 25 times in the New Testament. We are told not to be afraid when an angel speaks to us, or God sends us into an unknown land or future; or of the enemies we will face there, even if their armament is superior; or of their idols, their appearance, or their words. Or of the terror of the night, or the arrow that flies by day; or to speak the words of God; or to give our last bit of food to a prophet; or of what is causing panic around us. Not to be afraid if we encounter Jesus working a miracle or risen from the dead; or when people oppose, slander or persecute us, or threaten to kill us; or when worried about what we will eat, drink or wear; or about dying childless; or when we are in danger of shipwreck; or our children are in danger—or even have died.
In general: We should not let our hearts be troubled or be afraid, for God is with us. He is our God. He promises, “I will strengthen you, I will help you and uphold you with my victorious right hand; for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine; greatly beloved, you are safe.” Jesus assures us, “Your Father will give you the Kingdom, so don’t let hearts be troubled.” Not even on the cross.
Luke 19:45-48: Jesus was not afraid to denounce wrongdoing in the Temple. It was his Father’s house. We have the same right and duty to denounce abuses in our Father’s Church
Initiative: When in fear change your focus. Think of what God can do.
Reflections brought to you by the Immersed in Christ Ministry
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