Homily

In the Gospel today we hear Jesus’ question his Apostles, “Why are you troubled? And why do questions arise in your hearts?” This question is for us today as well. For the Apostles, they didn’t believe fully that it was really Jesus. They thought that he might be a ghost. But, Jesus calms their fears and tells them that he is not a ghost for a ghost doesn’t eat nor have wounds. Indeed, in his resurrected body, he has bones and flesh. Then he opened their minds to understand the mysteries of the Scriptures.

What are the troubles in your heart? Why are you troubled? What things about your situation in life make you question? A couple weeks ago, I mentioned that Archbishop Vlazny had spoke about the need for our own re-evangelization. He said that we need to fall in love with Jesus. Simply put, if we fall deeply in love with Jesus as our Christ and Savior, we will be able to overcome our fears. You see, faith has no room for fear. It conquers it. After the events spoken in today’s Gospel and the event of Pentecost, these fear-filled followers of Jesus became the most fearless of all people. Wouldn’t you like to overcome your fears? Then fall in love with Jesus once again.

Turn over your fears about the present or future. Let Christ open your minds to the Scriptures and let God forgive you. Do not fear. There is no future in fear. It is useless. Trust in the One who made you. Know that your sins can be forgiven if you simply put yourself in the hands of our Advocate, Jesus. Put your life in the hands of the resurrected Christ who will resurrect you too. He loves you deeply and personally. So do not worry. Trust that he will guide you and save you when you fall. Don’t let your hearts be troubled, but believe in our Lord. Amen.