Brothers and Sisters,
What is it that tempts you to fear in life? What is it that tempts you to lose your hope? Perhaps you struggle with the loss of a loved one, or your fear comes from something small and is only minor right now, but our human nature causes us to dwell on the fear and we perceive it to be larger than it really is. The truth is that all of us will experience temptations to fear and lose hope at one time or another. For this reason, we must all constantly listen to Jesus’ words and welcome His risen presence to dispel every fear in life, as we invite Jesus to bestow upon us the gift of His peace that comes from unwavering faith in His plan for our lives.
In the Gospel reading this week, Jesus comes to his disciples right in the midst of their fear, pain, doubt, and confusion. He comes speaking peace, bringing faith into their anxious lives and driving out fear and doubt by His presence.
Reflect, today, upon any struggles you have with despair, fear or anxiety in life. As you do, know that all things are possible when you turn to Jesus with faith. Faith does not necessarily remove the hardships of life; it does something even better. It transforms hardships so that you can endure them with grace, joy and supernatural hope. When this happens, everything in life has the potential to be used by God for our good. All we need to do is continually reject fear and “just have faith.” Fear destroys faith, but faith drives out fear.
Instead of worrying and dwelling on your fear, ask Jesus to help you by speaking His peace into your situation. Believing that you have an opportunity to strengthen your faith and trust in the Lord even more deeply. Doing so will bring you great peace!
May the Lord’s Divine Mercy and Peace reign in our hearts.
God Bless,
Deacon Howard