The Holy Martyr Isidore (249-51); Post-feast of the Ascension
Acts 19:1-8; John 14:1-11
Abstention from meat and foods that contain meat.
Read John 14:1-11
This Gospel passage comes from Our Lord’s great discourse to the disciples after the Mystical Supper and before His betrayal in John 13-17. It forms the first of the 12 Passion Gospels which we read each year at Matins on Great and Holy Friday. So often we focus on Our Lord’s revelation to the disciples that He is the way, the truth, and the life and that no one comes to the Father except through Him. But what about the very first verse of John 14?
Our Lord throughout the Gospels regularly tells us not to worry, not to be afraid, not to be anxious. And He doesn’t just suggest this to us, He tells us: “Let not your hearts be troubled; believe in God, believe also in me.” How troubled have our hearts perhaps been in this past year and a half? Perhaps they have been troubled by fear or anxiety. Perhaps they have been troubled by sorrow. Perhaps they have been troubled by anger and frustration at the situation in the world, or in our own country, province, or town. When our hearts are troubled in these ways it is very often because we realize that we are not in control and this makes us feel helpless. The first step is to recognize that these thoughts and feelings are temptations and our desire to be in control is a manifestation of pride. Then, as is always necessary, we must ask God to drive these temptations away and to acknowledge that He is in control. But, in order to do so we must have faith in Him; we must believe in Him. And so we need to grow in faith because we do not have enough faith: “I believe; help my unbelief.” (Mark 9:24)
Brothers and sisters, let us pray each day for more faith and so give up our troubled hearts for hearts filled with hope -the hope that comes from Our Lord’s Resurrection. But be prepared, because God will listen and He will indeed give us greater faith. How will we respond?
MISSION DAYS
From Ascension to Pentecost
Join the entire Ukrainian Catholic Church throughout the world in Mission Days – daily reflections on the missionary aspect of our lives as Christians and how we can play an active role in continuing the very mission of the Apostles in today’s world. Just click the link below!