What is bothering you at present? Have you taken it to prayer? Hear the words of Jesus in the depths of your heart: “Take courage!” - Daily Reflections June 2,2014

CHEER UP!

 

Today we jump back to the scene in the Upper Room. We hear the long discourse of Jesus. This is the famous farewell discourse where the Master is making His final testimony and encouragement to His followers. They just had their meal and sang to their heart’s content, remembering the solemn Passover of the Lord. We know what happens next. From here, Jesus goes to the olive grove to pray and seek the Father before His impending death.

       The disciples now seem to get it: “Now you’re talking plainly,” they tell Him. He had spoken once again about the Father and His return to the Father. Jesus is quick to respond: It won’t be long and you will be scattered. Shock! Horror! The disciples restore confidence in Jesus of their belief and He tells them they will all run away — and sure enough they do (see Mark14:50). Jesus knows us only too well.

       Jesus has absolute confidence in the Father. He is not alone. However, it’s necessary to inform the disciples about these words. So that when it does happen, hopefully they will remember and not be so discouraged. Jesus tells them very beautifully to take courage for He has conquered the world. Again Jesus, in His prophetic insight, knows the heart of man. He knows our weakness and our strength. He knows our loyalty and our commitment. He knows our failure and lack of faithfulness. But it doesn’t deter Him. He loves us through and through.

       True, in the world there will be trouble. We only have to read the newspapers. Even in our own small worlds, there is trouble. But Jesus says, “Take courage.”

       I am reminded of another time in the Gospel, where the disciples were battling their way through the stormy winds on the lake and Jesus suddenly walked in their midst — on the water, mind you! Frightened, they cried out, but Jesus said, “Take courage!” Another translation for this is, “Cheer up!”

       Let us hear these words of Jesus in our life and take courage and cheer up! Fr. Brian Steele, MGL

 

REFLECTION QUESTIONS: What is bothering you at present? Have you taken it to prayer? Hear the words of Jesus in the depths of your heart: “Take courage!”

 

Thank You, Lord, for hearing our prayers. Help me take courage in You. Take away the discouragement that oftentimes bombards me. Give me Your peace. Amen.