Do Not Be Afraid.
Itabi ang Takot at Magpakatatag.
May 4, 2021
Kapit nang Mahigpit, Huwag Bibitiw.
May 5, 2021PITIK-BULAG: Do Not Be Afraid.
When I visited the Cairo Museum four years ago, I found myself looking at the huge statue of Pharaoh Rameses II sitting proudly at the main door. Pointing his finger to the Pharaoh’s feet, the museum guide said, “Anyone here who knows the people and monsters under Rameses’ feet?” But giving us no time to reply, he proudly said, “They are the enemies of Rameses. The Pharaoh wanted to tell everyone: I AM IN CONTROL OF EVERYTHING. There’s nothing to fear. I shall overcome all the enemies of Egypt.”
In our gospel today, Jesus gave his farewell address before facing his death. He knew the difficult path that his disciples would walk after his death. Thus, He saw the need to give His disciples some words of assurance to keep them strong. As their Good Shepherd, He assured His them of two things:
1. AN ASSURANCE IN THE NOW (HIS ENDURING PRESENCE). He said, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you…” (John 14:27). Here, Jesus was telling them, “I will never leave you alone. I will be with you, whatever is the cost.”
Peace is not the absence of conflict, struggles, darkness, and chaos, but a disposition of trust and confidence that all will be well. It’s our awareness of the Divine Presence who is ahead of us, behind us, beside us, and above us. When we are fully aware of God’s presence in our midst, we become more courageous.
2. AN ASSURANCE IN THE FUTURE (HE KNOWS WHAT’S BEST).
Jesus is inviting us to hold on to His words.
“I have told you this before it happens, so that when it happens you may believe” (John 14:29).
Don’t blink. Do not run away. We may not understand His will, but when God asks us to do something, it will be for our own good. God wants us to entrust everything into His hands, for he said, “the ruler of this world has no power over me.” (John 14:30).
In the resurrection narratives, when Jesus greeted his disciples with the word, “Peace,” he was gently injecting to the disciples’ hearts that he was over and above everything, including death. Love conquers everything, and when someone is in love with Christ, he or she will transcend all darkness, including fear, “for perfect love drives away all fears.” (1 John 4:18).
Rameses II may have claimed victory over the Egyptians’ enemies, but still, he died and lost his kingdom. On the other hand, Jesus, our Eternal King, is not only assuring us of victory over our enemies. For beyond his assurance of victory and vindication, He promises His enduring presence in our journey. And this truth matters most.
Let’s pause for a while and relish the word of God, “Peace be with you.” All was well. All is well. All will be well. He is gently inviting us to let go of our desire to control things and let God do the rest. Magis is not simply doing more but allowing God to do more for us.
Every day in our prayer, God is whispering into our ears,
“Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid.” (John 14:27)
“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.” (Isaiah 43:2).
Peace! Be still. The life-giving promise of God’s Presence is already given. All we need to do now is to trust God. Do your part and God will do the rest.
REFLECTION. What are your fears and anxieties at the moment? Trust the Lord. Allow Jesus’ words of encouragement to touch your heart and bring courage to your restless spirit.
– Pitik-Bulag
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May 4, 2021 – Tuesday
