Church of the
Annunciation

When someone says: “Don’t worry” - you may be inclined to worry! In our Gospel, at the Last Supper, Jesus tells his disciples: “Do not let your hearts be trouble.” These words are not empty because they are accompanied by a promise. Jesus assures them that although he is soon returning to the Father, the Father and I will come and dwell/remain with you. Jesus promises to send the Holy Spirit that will enable them to recall, understand and live his words. Jesus then offers the gift of God’s peace. Indeed assured of his abiding presence and endowed with the Holy Spirit and God’s gift of peace, the disciple can face the daunting challenges ahead with untroubled hearts. An example of this is found in our first reading from the Acts of the Apostles. There is a dispute with no little debate and dissension over coming to experiencing life in Christ without first becoming a Jew. Paul and Barnabas seek the counsel of James and Peter in Jerusalem. There is discussion and prayer to the Holy Spirit for discernment. A decision is made. Paul and Barnabas return to Antioch with an “apostolic” OK to continue their mission to the Gentiles. We have here in Scripture a model for us today when we are caught up in seemingly intractable disagreement. The process entails: Acknowledge the issue. Enter into respectful discussion and pray for the Holy Spirit. Seek the wisdom of the “elders” -- those responsible for fidelity to apostolic teaching. Adapt and apply the Gospel and our Catholic tradition to new circumstances. Finally and always, give thanks to God.

What appears simple is often very difficult to do. But Jesus is always with us to calm our fears and keep us faithful to his words. All of us, in the complexity and difficulty of our personal lives, must be open to the movement of the Holy Spirit to see the hidden presence of God in our midst, to recall the words of Jesus and to receive God’s peace. “Do not be afraid.”