Homily for May 12, 2018.
“Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, so that your joy may be complete.” John 16:24.
Following our readings and the church’s liturgical calendar, you would observe that this period was a rather sorrowful one for the disciples of Jesus. Why were they sorrowful?
First, there was the strong feeling of disappointment that after all said and done, Jesus did not move an inch to take over power from the Roman authorities. Even on the day of His ascension, his disciples still asked: “Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” To this question, Jesus responded: “It is not for you to know the times or periods that the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you.” Any hope of earthly power was now dashed completely.
Secondly, the disciples were sorrowful because Jesus had just left them. I have never met a human being who lost a true friend and felt happy about it. Whether we like it or not, there is always this feeling of anguish and sadness that envelopes us when we suddenly realize we are not going to see this or that person face to face again.
Jesus knew how depressed and downcast the disciples were at this moment gave a lot of farewell speeches to console and strengthen their faith. As the disciples returned to their homes, they must have tried to play back these powerful speeches. Our Gospel passage today is one of such.
Like these disciples, we may find ourselves as well in a period of sorrow in our lives. We may be experiencing loss in one way or another. Jesus taught us that asking is the key to the finding fullness of joy. Whenever you are sad, depressed, downcast or annoyed, never forget to pray. Bring the matter to God, pour out your heart and soul before God with deep faith and trust. Don’t just talk to God about, drop everything at his feet.
As you pray, your mind may trick you into trying to solve your problem yourself, your mind may start racing around for possible things you can do regarding the matter on ground, your mind may even begin to question the rationale of your prayer making you feel as if talking to God might not be a solution in itself. When this happens, your heart remains heavy, fearful and vengeful. Just know that you have not really prayed. You have only taken out time to analyse your problem. You have done with any philosopher would do only that you did it kneeling before God.
To really pray is to actually drop the matter before God so much so that by the time you finish praying, you have forgotten what brought you there. This is praying like a child, it is reporting a case and stepping aside completely to allow the authority handle it. It is shutting down the mind completely acknowledging that it is no longer your business to know how the matter would be solved or what options God ought to take. When you pray like this, you always come out of prayer happy, joyful and at peace.
No matter what your sorrows are, prayer remains the ultimate key to Joy. Don’t just talk to God, drop your burdens, leave them with him; forget the matter in his hands. Don’t think about it anymore even for a minute. Let go and Let God; your sorrow will disappear.
Let us pray: Lord Jesus, transform my prayer life that I may remain forever joyful and peacefully. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Saturday After the Ascension of the Lord. Bible Study: Acts 18:23-28 and John 16:23-28).
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