Feeling troubled? Turn to God. - April 20
Today’s Readings: AM Psalms 1, 2, 3; PM Psalms 4, 7; Exod. 14:21-31; 1 Pet. 1:1-12; John 14:1-17
“Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me.” Jesus offered this counsel to his friends after he’d told them that he would not be with them much longer, yet they kept asking questions: “But, where are you going? How do we get there? Could you just show us the Father?” While the disciples had seen Jesus perform miracles of feeding and healing, they struggled to believe all they had experienced. They needed reassurance. It was hard for them to trust. Jesus called his friends to go deeper. By moving outside of themselves in love, Jesus told the disciples they would receive the Spirit of truth.
Belief doesn’t always come easily, especially in stress and chaos. How often in these times are we prone to try to get things “under control”? We can become drawn within ourselves, dissociating from connection to others. Preoccupied in a posture of self-protection, we miss the little graces which remind us that God is in the midst of us. Hearing the Good News today, we are challenged to do as the disciples: love God and one another.
What if we go to God in prayer when we feel troubled? When we do, Jesus promises that we will not be left alone. Our eyes and ears will be opened to God’s gift of the Holy Spirit, which has been sent to us.
God abides with us and in us. Alleluia!
- Katherine+
Questions for Reflection
The Egyptians did not believe in God. Pursuing the Israelites, the wheels of their chariots got bogged down in the Red Sea. What hardships bog you down?
At the heart of John’s gospel is relationship. What enhances your relationship with God?
Daily Challenge
Name a situation that troubles your heart. Ponder where doubt and fear linger in this matter? Pray to God for resolution and peace.