Day 20
Jesus said to His disciples, “Let not your hearts be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And when I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to Myself, that where I am you may be also.”
John 14:1-3 (From the First Gospel on Holy Thursday Evening)
This morning, in an email exchange, Lynne Goetz one of our Church School Co-superintendants, commented on today’s refection, especially the scripture verse. This was in light of the current pandemic and the things we, as a parish, are trying to do to help our parish family.
Even if you don’t have the book and can’t follow along, the scripture passage above truly speaks to us during these trying times. As we see schools, businesses and more close, as reports of cases and deaths fill the news reports and as fear starts to creep into us, it is vital that we keep the words of Christ close to our hearts.
The passage above is part of a longer passage that recounts Jesus’ words to His disciples after the last supper. It is, if you will, His farewell speech. The fact that He starts it by telling them to not let their hearts be troubles is amazing, considering all that was happening at the time.
Seems familiar doesn’t it?
Today’s scripture passage reminded me of one that is read at the funeral service of our Church. This is the Gospel reading that is read as the funeral procession exits the Church. There, Jesus tells the widow of Nain, who had just lost her son, not to weep. At perhaps one of the saddest moments of her life, she is called to not be sad. We go on to see that the reason for this is that Jesus has power over death.
As we struggle with day to day life right now and the disruptions that are taking place, we must remember these words of Jesus. Don’t let our hearts be troubled and do not weep. Christ’s promise to His disciples near the end of His farewell speech was that He would send them a Comforter…the Holy Spirit, Who would be with them.
In a few email exchanges I have had with His Eminence, Metropolitan Gregory this week, he has begun and ended these conversations with “God is with us!” Truly, God IS with us. The Holy Spirit is alive and with us. It may take a little bit of a different form in the Church for awhile as we battle against this crisis, but our God is always with us. He is with you when you pray. He is with you when you are scared. He is with you when comfort and help others.
As I said yesterday, now is the time for true love. Love for God as we make Him a part of our daily lives, and love for each other, as we care for and protect those around us.
Trust in the Lord!
In Christ
Fr. David