03/05/2026
DO NOT LET YOUR HEARTS BE TROUBLED
Dearly beloved in Christ, the above theme is taken from the opening lines of the Gospel of St John chapter14:1. Here, Jesus our great Master and Saviour encouraged his disciples and we not to let our hearts be troubled.
It is only in Jesus that our hearts can have absolute peace which the world cannot guaranteed. It was St. Augustine who said, "Our hearts are restless O Lord until they rest in you".
Our hearts can never experience absolute peace or rest until we find the true peace which is Christ Jesus, the author of peace. Peace is a gift from God, and it can only be enjoyed or experienced genuinely and absolutely when we have recourse on God.
The letter to the Hebrews says, When God made his solemn promise, "They will never enter the land where I would have given them rest"-of whom was he speaking? Of those who rebelled. We see, then, that they were not able to enter the land, because they did not believe.
Now, God has offered us the promise that we may receive that rest he spoke about. Let us take care, then, that none of you will be found to have failed to receive that promised rest... they did not accept it with faith. We who believe, then, do receive that rest which God promised... "They will never enter the land where I would have given them rest! "
This same matter is spoken of again: "They will never enter that land where I would have given them rest". As it is, however, there still remains for God's people a rest like God's resting on the seventh day (Heb3:18-19, 4:13).
For those who exercise absolute faith in Christ will experience that rest in heaven, and these people Jesus said, let not your hearts be troubled, for in my Father's house are many rooms-very spacious for all to occupy.
Jesus offers us a great invitation in the Gospel of Matthew when he said, "Come to me all you who had labour and over burdened for I will give you rest" (Matt11:28). It is in the nature of Jesus to console his people and to be with them at all times. Beloved, at this critical moments, Jesus is not oblivious of the sign of the times. Hence, he says once again, "Let your heart not be troubled". He is the only solution to our problems.
My little children, in the world there is tribulations but cheer up for I have overcome the world (John16:33). The goal of his mission is to bring us to the eternal home of the Father. In my Father's house, there are many rooms. This great assurance is for everyone who accepts Jesus as his Lord and personal Saviour.
Thomas asked Jesus to show them the way and Jesus replied, I am the way and the truth and the life; no one comes to the Father, but by me(John14:6). Jesus wants us to be certain and to have a clear vision of his message. As the way, he leads us to the eternal Father and as the truth, he brings us to salvation and as the life, he offers us life in abundance (John10:10b).
When Philip said to him, "Lord, show us the Father; that is all we need". Jesus was shocked with the question Philip asked. You mean you do not know me up till now Philip? How long have I been with you? To have seen me is to have seen the Father. I am in the Father and the Father is in me. Jesus is the image of the unseen God according to St Paul in his letter to the Colossians-The human face of the invisible God (Col1:15).
Jesus said even though you do not believe in me but believe in the works I do. Jesus' works are evidential enough to believe him absolutely. His works were mightily done through the fullness of God's presence. St Paul tells us that the fullness of Godhead dwells in him bodily (Col2:9-10).
In our first reading taking from the Acts of the Apostles, we see how the apostles maintained equity in the distribution of funds and others by choosing reputable men of good characters who were filled with wisdom and Holy Spirit. The apostles gave a special place to the word of God and ensured its proclamation without any distraction. The word of God must be given a unique and a special place in our lives. What value do you place in the word of God! The word of God is life and spirit. The Church doesn't play with it because she draws her life from it. All the sacraments, the tradition, the faith deposit and the magisterium are nourished through the sacred scriptures. Beloved, with the choice of these men, peace and harmony could returned to their midst. Thus, many persons were won to their fold.
In the second reading, St Peter tells us that Jesus is the cornerstone that holds together the people of God. He reminds us again that we are a chosen race, a royal priesthood who are called to declare the wonderful deeds of God.
In conclusion, the readings offer us an eternal hope. In this unrest situation of ours, we should not allow our hearts to be troubled but rather exercise great faith in Christ Jesus.
May God fill our hearts with great peace through Jesus Christ our Lord amen.
Rev.Fr. Philip Ekwele
