THE WORD BECAME FLESH

Monday of seventh week of Easter, 2021

Acts 19:1-8

Ps 68

John 16: 29-33

Be of good cheer

Dear friends in Christ, there are times in life when the best gift you can give to someone is a smile. To be of good cheer, to laugh regularly even to the point of having tears roll down the cheek is said to be medicinal. Yet there are many people who can hardly smile not to talk of laugh, not because they do not want to but because they are sad as a result of their situations. Jesus however calls in today's gospel, "Be of good cheer..." 

This gospel (John 16:29-33) reveals that more than ever before, the disciples were able to understand the message of Jesus easily and that must have prompted them to say, "Ah now you are speaking plainly, not in any figure! Now we know that you know all things, and need none to question you; by this we believe that you came from God." It is absolutely comforting that even Jesus asked the disciples, 'Do you believe at last?' Believing however is not an escape from the challenges of life. Jesus never promised them a life that is free of the cares and worries of this world. His promise is to be with them in all of life's situations to make sure that they are not subsumed. So he said to them, "The hour is coming and indeed it has come, when you will be scattered...and will leave me alone; yet I am not alone, for the Father is with me." Faith, dear friends is not a one-off thing. It is rather a work in progress, a gift from God that must be cultivated and developed. That is why we need courage to be true followers of Christ.

In Christ, there is no deception, he tells his disciples of what to expect so that they have all they need to decide whether to remain with him or not. "I have said this to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer. I have overcome the world." Our faith in Christ must lead us to accept the challenges of everyday as a part of our journey. When tossed around by the sea of life however, he calls us to smile through it all because he is with us and has conquered by his death and resurrection.

Do not be afraid to follow him, he is the Shepherd and the master who teaches by example. In spite of what you are going through right now, be of good cheer. Do not frown as if you have the world around you crashing just on one person. It will soon be a thing of the past. Just remain strong in your faith and do what is humanly possible as you continue to hope in God for help. Be of good cheer today, let no one see you sad, the Lord is in control as he assures and he does not fail, he will not fail you.

Let us pray: Lord, thank you for your message today. Give me the courage to smile, to laugh and to dance. Amen. 

+Remain blessed