There is so much pain and distress in the world today. There are many families going through heart-breaking divorces that leave them in shreds emotionally. Since the financial meltdown, there are many women and men out of work who are under anti-depressant medications to deal with the loneliness, worry and anxiety of each day. In our communities are families seeking help for their loved ones battling illnesses. Many are fighting cancer that has put them out of work, with treatments that become increasingly painful and physically draining. Those with stressful challenges feel insecure, lonely, frightened, weak and helpless as a result, while others give in to drugs, alcohol or nicotine. The consequent addiction to one substance or the other is damaging their lives and affecting the lives of their loved ones. Whatever our challenges, Jesus is saying to us that we should not let our hearts be troubled and that we shouldn’t be afraid (John 14:27) that we should take courage because he has conquered the world for us (John 16:33).
As we repeat Jesus’ words of comfort to ourselves, we can be confident that he is with us through all of the undesirable events in our lives. Even when it seems that Jesus is not immediately lifting the heavy burdens of daily living off our shoulders, he is a true and faithful companion who stands with us always, even when we feel that the wheels of hope have literally stopped on us. In times of difficulty and uncertainty, we can always trust that Jesus is the support and strength that will get us through our challenges. Just like us, Jesus knew misunderstanding (Mark 3:20-21), betrayal (Luke 22:48), abandonment (Mark 15:34), hatred (John 11:46-48), public embarrassment (Matt. 27:28-31) and suffering (Luke 22:41-44), but above all, He is our savior (Luke 2:11). I have to find a place in my life for Jesus –we have to remain in him (John 6:56). In prayer, we should ask our Lord and Savior to grant us the grace of his presence and the strength of his abiding love (John 15:9-10).
At the National Shrine of St. Jude, we ask God to hear the prayers of all those who seek guidance and consolation in their lives through the intercession of St. Jude Thaddeus. Each time we join devotees of St Jude in prayer, we are relieved by God’s promise that when two or three are gathered in prayer, divine presence is always granted (Matt. 18:20). We ask you to join us and have total confidence and trust in God’s promise of divine presence when we seek divine companionship. We join you in prayer at the National Shrine of St Jude; join us also in trusting in God’s gift of consolation and strength as we seek to stand strong together through the challenges of daily life. We should remember that the challenges of daily living cannot overcome the grace we receive by our faith in God. I invite you then to “rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, and persevere in prayer” (Rom. 12:12) for God promises not to fail nor forsake us (Deut. 31:6).
Father Ferdinand Okorie, C.M.F.
National Shrine of St. Jude
Chicago, Illinois
My trust, belief and hope is all wrapped up in the Holy Trinity. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Glory be to Jesus!
Thank you St Jude for giving me hope.
This gives me hope-but waiting on God is taking forever. My praying has become begging…I cannot distinguish anymore, but my faith lies in the Lord, and that is all I need.
It gave me such comfort to read this.
Thank you. Praise God and God Bless.