In today's gospel passage, Jesus is strengthening the hearts of his disciples, encouraging them to trust in him and to grow strong in their faith. By this point in the story, the disciples have had multiple occasions to learn from their teacher, and Jesus is aware of the fact that his days with them are numbered, yet the words Jesus spoke were still difficult for the twelve to comprehend, much less to accept.
Jesus spoke of the upcoming events as though he were setting out on a journey, yet he knew that what was coming would not be easy for them to endure: Do not let your hearts be troubled, he told them, you have faith in God, have faith also in me (Jn 14:1). Jesus genuinely cared for and loved the twelve. He knew that it would not be easy for them to experience his suffering and death, but like any loving father, who knows that his time is near, Jesus also wanted to encourage them: do not let your hearts be troubled. As a remedy for the temptation to question their faith, Jesus encouraged them to trust.
Perhaps we have known the great joy of being strengthened in our faith: by loving parents and other adults who have helped us to grow at various points along our journey. Maybe we have already experienced moments in our lives when we are certain that the Lord is putting us to the test. We might know at some level that such experiences always result in some kind of growth, but until we experience this growth for ourselves, there will always be some element of doubt or even skepticism.
Today, let us welcome the advice that Jesus offered to the disciples. It is also being offered to us: if our faith is tested at times and if we find ourselves facing some kind of trial or challenge, let us turn to God and ask him to strengthen our faith and to teach us to trust in Him.
Have a great day.
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