The WORD in Other Words by Fr Dennis Manzana SVD (Taiwan)
Monday Week 7 Easter, Memorial of St Charles Lwanga and companions,Acts 19:1-8, Jn 16:29-33
As a pastor, I am asked for guidance and advice. People come with tough questions that are difficult to answer. Why is it, for example, that the troubles in the world don‘t exempt even those who strive to be faithful followers of Christ.
Jesus himself did not hide the reality to his disciples that they would encounter troubles. He did not promise to take their problems away but rather asked them to take courage and assured them as He assures us that we can rely upon Him and have peace for he has conquered the world.
Jesus invites us his disciples to take courage in the midst of trials and tribulations. As we face the challenges of life, clinging to Christ in faith, being rooted in Him more deeply — like an oak tree that has braved the storms of life — we become stronger.
May God‘s grace support us, may the root of our faith in Jesus grow deeper. May we remain steadfast witnesses of God‘s goodness and love, like St. Charles Lwanga and companions.
