Monday of the 7th week of Easter: Reflection by Rev Fr Julian O Ekeh
Theme: IN THE WORLD YOU WILL HAVE TRIBULATION…
(John 16:29–33)
The above caption is not what we want to hear. It doesn’t sound amazing, not sweet. It is not soothing to our listening pleasure. To this we would rather say: “God forbid!” We would cry out and shout: “It is not my portion!”
But Jesus is saying today that tribulation will be ours here. He had prophesied it about Himself when He said:” The Son of Man will suffer”. He did take that cup of suffering from His Father since it was His Father’s will for Him. Today He turns to us His own followers to have a taste of crucibles in the world. It is a hard truth. Whether we like it or not, no matter how we try to run away from pain and troubles, they must locate us. Thus, we have to be ready for them. Surely, they will come. If you have had one, you will agree with Christ. If you’re having one you see it in the light of Christ. If you have not yet had any suffering, be prepared for the days of tribulation.
Dearest in Christ, there is good news. It is contained still in the Gospel of today. You see that statement about tribulations, observe the ellipses in the caption. It is not going to be the end. The remaining part is pregnant with the message of hope and joy: Be of good cheer, I have overcome the world. So, the troubles troubling you are already thrown down. You are not alone just as Christ affirmed that the Father was with Him so we too must affirm in faith that we are not alone. Yes, we have the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit; God. And if God be for us, who will be against us? No one, we are conquerors through Christ who strengthens us. Believe and have the peace of Christ within you in the face of the trying times with the changes and chances of life.
May God save you from all forms of tribulations coming your way from whichever angle whatsoever.
LET US PRAY
I believe in Your word Oh Lord that the world will not overcome me. Help me by Your grace to overcome the temptations with holiness, endure the tribulations with faith and be of good cheer no matter how the tempest raves through Christ our Lord. Amen.
God bless your Monday (Easter, Week 7)
Rev Fr Julian O Ekeh