Let not your heart be troubled. You believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house there are many mansions. If not, I would have told you: because I go to prepare a place for you.
John 14:1, 2 – Douay-Rheims Bible
The first verse in the last supper discourse, above, asks us to have faith. Which is definitely something to keep in mind in these uncertain times. To me, to have faith is to believe that God is working all things for good. Even when, or maybe especially, when we can’t see it.
In my experience, trials can help us grow in faith. So it may be that the simplest and most straight-forward lesson we can take from the COVID 19 crisis is that we all have some growing to do.
I love all of the last supper discourse but it is the second verse, John 14:2, that I like best. “In my Father’s house there are many mansions. If not, I would have told you: because I go to prepare a place for you.” To me, that sums it all up. Why Jesus came, why He died. Why we should look forward to this Easter Sunday, with or without church services or Easter egg hunts or big family gatherings.
For me, the days leading up to Easter are a somber, reflective time. But the day itself is always joyful. It is the new beginning of all new beginnings. And that is reflected in what is going on now, with me, on a personal level.
Like so many others, I’ve found that the COVID 19 quarantine has changed my priorities. I am more focused on my home and family. Perhaps because of all the uncertainty I am more aware of the value of what I have. I am less resentful. I am spending less time online. I’m reading more. I’m praying longer. I’m more enthusiastic about my garden. And I have started way too many seeds!
There are very real concerns but, even so, I feel that this is my new beginning and I’m determined to stick with it long after our current trials have passed.
Praying for you and all those in need. And wishing you and yours a blessed and safe Easter Sunday!
