5th Sunday of Easter, Year A: Reflection by Rev Fr Julian O Ekeh

Theme: LET NOT YOUR HEARTS BE TROUBLED

(John 14:1–12)

Jesus addresses His disciples not to be troubled in the following words: “Let not your hearts be troubled; believe in God, believe also in me…” Jesus told His disciples these when they were afraid of losing Him because He told them He was going away.

In our situation today, it seems that God is going away. It looks like God is far removed from us. We are surrounded by a whole lot of life-threatening realities. We are left in the state of “Chi boo anu ozo”(One day one trouble), the news all over is not encouraging, the Government is more confused, the voice of prayer seem to be silenced, there’s no work, no payment, no food, no money. There is no joy in the world. A lot of people no longer see reasons to live. Jesus’ word encourages us not to give up but to look up. It admonishes us not to be fainthearted but to lift up our hearts. This is an exercise done in faith, hope, and charity. This is seeing what the ordinary eye doesn’t see, believing what hopelessness discourages us from believing, loving, and caring with the little in our possession.

Let us put away fear and move on as children of God. Let us keep following Jesus the Way, Truth, and Life. He will not disappoint us, He will not abandon us. Are you still troubled? By family problems, economic situation, sleeplessness, persecutions? Are you worried about how to send those children back to school? Are you weeping because of the leadership of this country and your state? Do not be troubled? Just believe in God, do the part in your hands, and God will do the rest. Just speak to your troubled heart: “Obim dere duu atula ujo, Obim dere duu, Chukwu maara ihe oma O ga emerem o, Obim dere duu. (Fear not my soul, God will arrest thy worries). Hear these words of St Teresa of Avila:

“Let nothing disturb you

Let nothing frighten you

All things are passing away

God never changes

Patience obtains all things

Whoever has God lacks nothing.

God alone suffices.”

It shall be well. Yes!

Oge ihe siri gi ike,

Oge uru juru gi obi

Nsogbu eju ebe nile

Nwannem ka obi sie gi ike

Lele Jesu, rio Jesu

Chekwube Jesu, Oga- adi mma. (trust God when the going gets tough, He will see you through).

HARD FACTS OF LIFE

The hard truth we have to know about life is that there must be troubles; small or great. Winds must blow. The sea must rage. But there’s something that makes a whole lot of difference: My Choice. Choose to live above the troubled sea. Choose to swim across the raging storm. The seat of these choices is in the heart. Do not allow the troubles in the world, on the outside, to determine your heart’s joy and peace. The troubles are not worth dying for. It is not easy to live this way, but Divine Grace will make it possible.

SPEAK OUT YOUR TROUBLES

Telling the disciples not to allow their hearts to be troubled means that there is a better state for which the heart is made. The heart should be an abode of Christ, the prince of peace and not of the crisis that steals your peace.

Therefore, when the troubles sneak in with their accompanying headaches, heartbreaks, sleeplessness, and worries. Speak out. Pray! Share it. The problem shared is problem solved. You have a shoulder you can always cry on. Lay it on Jesus’ shoulders, come to him with your burden, He knows how to make it light. Don’t allow it to sap you, to weigh you down, and increase your blood pressure. Don’t put it in the wrong hands. Only God and the godly can handle them. That’s why we must surround ourselves with the godly in government, in our workplaces, in the family, and in our relationships.

ADDRESS YOURSELF

You know what you want. You’re the one at each point in life to tell yourself: “I refuse to be troubled.” O yes! You can do this by always being positive. Be strong and tell yourself: “ I know that I can make, I know that I can stand, no matter what may come my way.”

HOLD ON TO THE WAY, TRUTH, AND LIFE

In times of trouble, the question is always: where do I go from here? Which way? What’s the next line of action? Jesus answers: “I am the Way. “I Am” is the revealed name of God. God is the WAY. Him alone can make a way where there seems to be no way, where troubles seem to have closed.

In a world filled with lies from the government, religion, world organizations, family, and friends, Jesus says: “I am the Truth.” The truth we need to know about ourselves, our world, and what best to do comes from God.

In a world where life has lost its worth and is now and again threatened by diseases natural and man-made, Jesus maintains: “I am Life.” He will sustain our lives, He will uphold it, He gives His life in place of ours.

May God bless His word in our hearts.

LET US PRAY

Thank You, Lord God, for the consoling and encouraging words we have received from You today. In our confusions and troubles, may we not lose our faith in You. May we continue to follow You the Way, Truth, and Life. May we receive from You the joy and peace the world cannot give through Christ our Lord. Amen

Happy Sunday (5th Sunday of Easter, Year A)

Rev Fr Julian O Ekeh