Heavy?

The story is told about a man who wept heavily as he viewed his brother in the coffin, who had his violin on his chest. The year before, his father was also laid in the coffin with his guitar on his chest. Their family band had a tradition of having their instruments buried with them. Asked why he was weeping so hard, his response was: “I am the pianist of our family!”

In today’s Gospel (Jn. 14, 23-29), Jesus was trying to alleviate the heaviness of the hearts of His disciples. He was saying goodbye to them, telling them to be faithful, and promising to send them the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, and assuring them that He will come back. How we need to hear again His words of wisdom and comfort, especially in times of fear, trials and sorrow. Speak to us, Lord, especially when we encounter heavy moments in our journey.

“Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid.” Is there anything that is bothering you or frightening you right now? Stop. Pause for a while. Pray. The Lord is with you… the Lord is listening, right now.

It is the presence of God that calms us. It is the love of God that assures us. As we journey on, let us keep seeking the presence and the love of God.

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you.” How so fleeting our peace of mind and hearts! We easily get disturbed, lose focus, and allow events and people to affect us. Lord, give us that peace which the world cannot give nor take away.

Do you get UPSET easily? That’s because you allow yourself to be SET UP by the evil one. Stay focused on the Lord. Continue to listen to the words He has whispered to you in your silent moments and in prayer, and you won’t easily get upset.

Goodbyes are a part of our journey. No matter how good they are, goodbyes are always marked with sadness. But they are bearable, especially because we believe in meeting again sometime, some way, somehow. May God bless all our hellos and goodbyes.

“Ano man ang mangyari ’di kita iiwan.” Lines from the song of Freddie Aguilar that remind us of the Lord’s promise that He will not leave or abandon us, no matter what. We hold on to this powerful promise of love. May we, too, not turn back on our promises of love and mission.

If we keep God’s word, God dwells in us, and among us. Let us continue to make real this indwelling of God in our hearts, in our homes, in our communities, in our country, and in the world. Let us strive to make the presence and the love of God felt and radiated wherever we go, whatever we do.

“May the darkness of sin and the night of unbelief vanish before the light of the Word, and the Spirit of grace; and may the heart of Jesus live in the hearts of all.” (St. Arnold Janssen, SVD)

Nothing is heavy if the heart is light. It is our faith that helps us lighten our burdens. Let us learn to pass the load to the Lord, and our journey becomes more meaningful and joyful.

Take note, too, that those who help carry other people’s burdens end up not being burdened. Let us learn to share each other’s load as we journey on.

Think about this: “If things are meant to be, they will happen at the right time, in the right place and in the perfect situation. It is not called destiny, it is called God’s will because when we put our challenges and faith in God’s hand, He puts His peace in our hearts.”

A moment with the Lord:

Lord, give me a heart that is light, and a face that is bright, and remove the heaviness in my journey through life. Amen.

jorbos@inquirer.com.ph