“Do you believe now? Behold, the hour is coming and has arrived when each of you will be scattered to his own home and you will leave me alone. But I am not alone, because the Father is with me. I have told you this so that you might have peace in me. In the world you will have trouble, but take courage, I have conquered the world.” (John 16:31-33)
How often do we lose our cool amidst the chaos, turmoil, and conflicts of daily life? How many times do we find ourselves giving in to anxiety or overthinking our problems? On a daily, weekly, monthly basis? Probably countless times. Even the most organized and collected people occasionally find themselves stretched thin from the imperfection of the human condition.
It could be a family member whose struggles burden you with worry. It could be a suffering friendship that makes you anxious. It could be the unrealistic expectations and undue pressure from work that stress you out. Or it could be your financial worries that make life difficult to enjoy. Life is hard, and there are a million and one things to worry about.
However, the real question we should be asking ourselves is “What good is any of this worrying doing me?”
Almost always, the things we worry most about are things that are out of our control, things that are well out of reach. That’s exactly where the devil wants us: so preoccupied with our human plans that we forget that God’s plan is paramount. Not only that, but how could we forget that God is on our side, guiding us through a life that was designed to put us in Heaven with Him?
“Are not five sparrows sold for two small coins? Yet not one of them has escaped the notice of God. Even the hairs of your head have all been counted. Do not be afraid. You are worth more than many sparrows.” (Luke 12:6-7) God will never abandon us. How dare we abandon our worries into the hands of man rather than into the hands of our Father in Heaven?
You are the beloved child of a God who loves you so inexplicably much that He gave His only son to redeem you of your sins. Not just “us”. Not just “everyone” or “them” or “the whole world”. You. He gave Himself up, suffered ridicule, torture, mockery, and endured a brutal death so that you could have eternal life. And at every Mass, He offers Himself up in that same way, so that we may one day partake in the salvation that was bought at such a great price.
In the world you will have trouble, but take courage, I have conquered the world.
This week, during our 2025 Answer the Call Pledge Drive, when you give to Relevant Radio at the $365 Level, you will receive a copy of Meditations After Holy Communion by Fr. Edward Looney. This spiritual guide, intended for use after receiving the Eucharist, will help to draw you closer to Christ when He is at His physically closest. Inside, you’ll find a meditation for every Sunday of the liturgical year – covering themes from Advent longing to Lenten surrender, Easter joy to the peaceful trust of Ordinary Time. Perfect for quiet moments after Mass or in prayer with your family, each reflection introduces a theme, offers points to ponder, and ends with a short, heartfelt prayer.
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