Many times throughout our lives we have told people: "Do not let your hearts be troubled" (Jn 14:1). We've followed this word of encouragement with such words as: "Cheer up," "Things will get better," or even "I'll pray for you." After Jesus told us not to be troubled, He said something different. He commanded us to have faith (Jn 14:1) that He has prepared a place for us. If we have faith that Jesus has prepared a place for us in His Father's house (Jn 14:3), we will not be troubled. This may mean that we will not be troubled on earth if we know we have a place in heaven. However, the more likely meaning of this passage is that we won't be troubled if we know our place in our Father's house, the Church.
All Christians are members of Christ's body, the Church (1 Cor 12:12). We are disturbed unless we are in our place in the Church and functioning properly (Eph 4:16) so as to build up the body of Christ (Eph 4:12). Whether our place in the Church is to witness for Jesus on our jobs, disciple our children, build our marriages in Christ, pastor our parishes, pray in adoration, serve the poor, teach the Bible, or be missionaries – we will not be troubled if by faith we have taken our God-given place in the Church.
Don't worry. Be happy. Be Church.
| PRAYER: | Father, may I be at home in Your house, the Church. |
| PROMISE: | "God raised Him from the dead, and for many days thereafter Jesus appeared to those who had come up with Him from Galilee to Jerusalem. These are His witnesses now before the people." –Acts 13:30-31 |
| PRAISE: | St. Bernardine, in the Holy Name of Jesus, worked tirelessly to transform the world with God's love. |
Reprinted with permission from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community. Their ministries include:
· One Bread, One Body
· Daily Bread Radio Program
· Annual Bible Institute
· Discipleship Retreats
· Guadalupe Bible College