Read Zech. 2:5-9,10-11, Jer.31 & Luke 9:43-45
“He who scattered Israel will gather him and will keep him as a shepherd keeps his flock.” (Jeremiah 31:10).
As this week comes to an end, the words of the Prophet Zechariah are worth repeating. They are words of hope and encouragement spoken at a time of fear and despair. Zechariah says: “Sing and rejoice, O daughter of Zion; for lo, I come and I will dwell in the midst of you, says the LORD. And many nations shall join themselves to the lord in that day, and shall be my people, and I will dwell in the midst of you.”
And to add to this, our Psalmist says: “The Lord will guard us as a shepherd guards his flock.” In the midst of life’s challenges, it is easy for us to be overcome by fear. The man of faith has fears but he is not controlled by them. He remains calm and consistent because he knows he is under the shepherd’s hands. Like Jesus, he can afford to sleep soundly in a boat while the disciples were panicking for their lives.
The man of faith will continue doing what is right regardless of threats that come from different sides. Like Daniel, he would not just pray but even open his windows to pray despite hearing the decree from the king stating that no one should pray in the land. (Daniel 6:6-10). Was Daniel scared? Sure since he was human. Was he controlled by his fear? No. He acted based on faith.
In our Gospel passage, Jesus repeats the same sad news as we read yesterday, telling His disciples of His imminent death which would be followed by betrayal, agony, rejection and shame. Jesus’ disciples could not understand because they were taken over by fear. It was only after the resurrection that they understood what Jesus was saying.
The reason you feel paralysed with fear now is that you find it hard to imagine a better tomorrow, you still cannot see any light at the end of your tunnel but know this, that if Jesus rose from the dead, your trials will end one day.
Let us pray: Lord Jesus, my shepherd, teach me to remain strong despite my fears. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Saturday of week 25 in Ordinary Time. Bible Study: Zech. 2:5-9,10-11, Jer.31 & Luke 9:43-45).