In today’s Gospel Jesus encouraged his followers not to “let their hearts be troubled.” He also told them he would “take them to himself,” and that he was “the way, the truth, and the life” (see John 14:1-12). It’s significant he spoke these words at the “Last Supper,” just before the punishing trials to which they would be subjected the very next day. Jesus wanted them to know and to have faith in God, a loving Father who would provide for all their needs, especially when things got difficult! And about the Father, Jesus also told his disciples he coexisted within him (he said: “I am in the Father and the Father is in me”). By explaining these realities, Jesus promised to take care of any of the stresses, great or small, that threatened joy within their lives. And he assured them this power came from God the Father himself!
When the disciples first heard these teachings, they didn’t fully understand what Jesus had told them. They didn’t comprehend his explanation of his own divinity, his all-embracing “unity” with the Father, his promise of complete protection in the face of trials, and about the total joy to be found in their future heavenly homes. When Jesus taught these things, they definitely didn’t know in their near futures they would be called upon to endure his passion, his crucifixion, and his death. They also didn’t grasp how much suffering they themselves would have to endure. The truth was, the difficulties they would encounter would be tremendous, and for those things Jesus wanted to prepare them! And so he told them not to be troubled, that he would care for them, and the Father would provide for all their needs. Unlike those disciples at that moment, we have the benefit of being “Easter Christians.” We have full understanding of the purpose of Jesus’ sufferings, his death, his resurrection from the dead, and his ascension into heaven. We believe in the divinity of Jesus, we recognize him as our Messiah and our Lord, and we know he’s prepared a place for us in heaven. We also acknowledge the strength Jesus gives us when we face our own trials. And so perhaps even more poignantly, the very same message taught to those first disciples is given to us as well! There’s no need for us to have troubled hearts!
And what are those things that might stress us and cause “our hearts to be troubled?” It’s likely we won’t have to face the same kind of difficulties endured by those first disciples, many of whom later suffered and were martyred because of their Christian faith. But unless we’ve been blessed with “perfect lives” (and I’d bet none of us have been so fortunate), then we’re likely faced with situations, challenges, and trials that might just cause some amount of unrest in our lives. Isn’t this especially true when we have health issues, or when facing major life changes (such as moving to a new home or taking a new job), or when there are conflicts in our relationships, or when there are problems in our work places, or when our finances are faltering, or when we are mourning the loss of a loved one (just to name of few). These kinds of things usually “trouble my heart,” and I’d bet others, even the best of Christians, would say the same.
However, Jesus’ lesson for us in today’s Gospel is precisely “to the point.” And it’s certainly as relevant for us as it was for those first disciples. He simply tells us to look beyond the trials, the stresses, and difficulties of our lives, and to trust God our Father will give us hope, and will provide for all our needs. To that end, Jesus proclaims he is “the way, the truth, and the life,” something said literally “in the shadow of the cross.” And so, my friends, let’s do the best we can to trust the words of Jesus. And may our troubled hearts be soothed, strengthened, and healed!
Praise God! Friar Timothy
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