JOHN 14:1
"Do not let your hearts be troubled. You have faith in God, have faith also in Me.”

The disciples were troubled upon learning that Jesus is about to leave them, that Jesus is about to die not merely by a natural death but a death on the Cross as Jesus foretold them. They were troubled because of the uncertainties that beset them when Jesus finally die and leave them. However, Jesus tried to calm them down when He told them: “Do not let your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me.” Jesus assures them that they will be fine despite him leaving them should they only trust in the Lord, and so to Him as well.

There were times when we found ourselves alone and neglected, either a close family member suddenly left us, a dear friend unexpectedly ignored us, our boss suddenly bid farewell in the office. These experiences left us in deep melancholy. Oftentimes, we search for someone to talk to, someone who will console us and make us feel good. We become inter-reliant with this. But trusting somehow is hard thing to do especially when that person is of questionable character. Then we tend to isolate ourselves and keep everything in us. We become self-reliant, then. But this Gospel story tells us to rely beyond ourselves, that self-confidence, even unto others, that inter-dependence. The Gospel passage was very clear to say that we must be dependent in Jesus Christ and none other in times of trouble, when we are frightened or distressed. We have to exercise that Christ confidence in us. We have to trust our creator first over other creatures. St. Augustine affirms this when he said: “We must direct upwards to God, brothers, a greater concentration, in order that we may somehow be able to grasp also with the mind the words of the holy Gospel that have resounded in our ears…”

And who is this Jesus we are supposed to trust? He was persecuted. He was even put to death. Is this the person whom we can really rely on? Isn’t it supposed to be someone powerful? Our Catechism of the Catholic Church tells us that this Jesus whom we can rely on is the Son of God. He is Himself is God, sent by the Father, the word made flesh. This Jesus is likewise the way, the truth, and the life, who fulfills his promises and performs works to keep His dignity. The Jesus whom we are to trust is the light of the world who manifest the whole of God’s truth – casting us away from darkness, setting us free, sanctifying us, teaching us the unconditional love of truth. It is the same Lord which Isaiah mentioned saying: “For I am the Lord, your God, who grasp your right hand; it is I who say to you: Fear not; I will help you.” The Psalmist affirms the same God in the passage: “In you, Lord, I take refuge; let me never be put to shame; in your justice deliver me.” With all of these, surpassing human standards, are we going to put our trust in Him? Or are we going to remain reliant to ourselves or to others?

But this believing or trusting entails that we keep the word and commandments of God to attain the security he promised; indeed, Jesus is our only assurance when we pray in His name. As we pray, we hope with faith that the Lord God sustain us. So let our hopes be one with our communities as we pray fervently with lively faith. And may our faith in God grow deeper as we pray and hope in Him alone. Let us all remain strong amidst our struggles in life as we remain faithful to Jesus, our surety, with the support of each one in our dear Christian community.