Incredibly Blessed

Homily for Tuesday of the Fifth Week in Eastertide

Nothing comes from Jesus in the way that we expect it to come. This is a recurring theme throughout the Gospels, and again here, we see that the gift of peace the apostles receive from Jesus does not come in the way they expected. Human expectations are usually different than God’s intention.

After blessing them with peace, Jesus tells them that he is leaving and that they should rejoice at this. Where is the peace in this announcement. Understandably the disciples are inclined to be troubled and afraid, but Jesus counsels them to rejoice and to have faith in the lessons they have learned. The same lesson can be seen in the blessings bestowed upon each and every one of us.

Although God's love is eternal, the blessings we receive are not. There are times and seasons appointed to everything. And though it may trouble us or make us afraid when it is time to let go of a blessing, our faith should provide us comfort and belief as we walk with Jesus into our next blessing or challenge.

As we grow older and have lost so many of the abilities we used to have, this lesson seems more relevant than ever. Although what we may face next is uncertain and even scary, we have been so incredibly blessed to have been given the gifts of faith and our vocations. As we take our next steps into our pilgrimage, it is our faith that will guide us as we continue to face each blessing and challenge that lies in our path.