GOD OF COMFORT

The Lord says, "The spirit is willing but the body is weak so let us watch and pray that we will not fall into temptation."  (Matt. 26:41)

“Woman, why are you crying? Who is it that you are looking for? (John 20:13)

Everyone is crying for something or the other, there are numerous persons, things or situations that make us cry and the list would be long.

Children cry in the absence of their mother or to express their hunger and aches.

Teenagers cry at the drop of a hat for heart breaks, broken dreams, failures, fights with friends etc…

As years pass, along with us our list of unhappiness also increases. Joblessness, insecurity, hardships, poverty, sickness, lack of prosperity, wayward life, irresponsible life partner, childlessness, bad habits, demise of loved ones etc..Some are depressed due to the fact that are trapped in a net of bad habits, friends and can’t overcome it.

Where do we cry?

Little ones cry in front of their mother or anyone who can they feel can understand and fulfill their needs. Teenagers run into their room to seeking refuge or to any place where they are free to express themselves. Some go to their good friends. It is natural that we have to express ourselves when we are about to shed a tear or when our heart is burdened. 

Elderly people would mostly find refuge in their neighbors or relatives. Some share it with those whom they are close to and some rely on alcohol, drugs and smoking.

Others divert their mind towards television, excessive food consumption and online addiction.

Are we truly relieved? Have we been successful in solving our problems?

We are only successful in getting temporarily relief. Sometimes the person we trust or seek comfort might publicize our pain or even blame us.

What does the Good News tell us regarding it?

This is what the Lord says, “A sound is heard in Ramah, the sound of bitter weeping. Rachel is weeping for her children and refusing to be comforted, because her children are no more.” (Jer. 31:15) She was crying to the Lord who could truly comfort and answer her. The  Lord who heard her cry says, “Restrain your voice from weeping and your eyes from tears for your work will be rewarded."

Again Ephraim is weeping in front of God. The Lord answers,"I have surely heard Ephraim mourning.”

“You have disciplined me like an unruly calf and I have been disciplined. Restore me and I will return, because You are my Lord, my God.”

In his repentance after being astray he cries to God Saying, “My heart is heavy. I am humiliated and ashamed because I bore the disgrace of my youth.”

God moves with compassion to his confession and says, “Ephraim, you are my dear son. The child in whom I delight.”

Though I often spoke against him, I will still remember him. Therefore my heart yearns for him. I have great compassion for him.

My dear ones in Christ, If we cry in front of our Lord, who can truly understand the depth of our pain, He will surely call us by our name. He takes our pain and sorrows. He can neither laugh nor blame or publish it because He alone can read our mind because He is our Creator. He rewards us with a permanent solution.

Remember in your deepest grief that God is not absent, but He is planning our redemption. It is wise to make up your mind and walk towards the Son of God, who cries for our every need to God our Father, the True Provider. He is the one and only source where we can find solace.

Every soul has its own sorrow! How then can we humans mutually comfort each other? When such situation arises, our words of advice and comfort can only be laced with some selfishness or pain aligned with our experiences of our lives.

You may be the wandering prodigal son, away from all your well wishers, seeking your pleasures. They may be sad about you, may be your  hot tempered decisions might have made your parents/ loved ones paralytic or to mental disturbances.

The Bible clearly says, “If anyone should cause one of these little ones to lose his faith in Me, it would be better for that person to have a large millstone tied round his neck and be drowned in the deep sea. How terrible for the world that these are things that make people lose their faith! Such things will always happen –but how terrible for the one who causes them!”  (Matt. 18:6-7)

“Happy are those who mourn; God will comfort them!” (Matt. 5:4)

If you move forward with a new and confident heart His outstretched arms will hug you and He will embrace you. He will abolish all your sorrows in His Heart. Then He will lead you to the quiet pools of fresh water and give you new strength and guide you to the right path along with His staff. His Honor love and goodness will follow all your life. Let not your heart be troubled. He invites you even if you are far away from him.

“Come to me, all of you who are tired from carrying heavy loads, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke and put it on you, and learn from me because I am gentle and humble in spirit; and you will find rest.” (Matt. 11: 28-29)

                                                  LET US PRAY

Lord Jesus, you had lifted up all your deep distress and sorrows to Abba Father and prayed ‘Let Your Will be done.’ 

Look upon me with your comforting heart into my teary eyes and distressed heart. You had instructed your disciples to be vigilant and pray so as to not fall into temptation.

Yes, my gracious Lord, grant me to overcome all habituated nature which rewards me/my family and community, confusion and dispute. Draw my hardened heart towards your heart in which dwells all the fullness of divinity and which the Father was well pleased. 

Enter into the midst of my family and make it Your own and let your Holy Spirit inspire us, soon one cry may resound from home to nations.

May the Triumphant Heart of Jesus and Holy Spirit increase our faith to take the right decision at all times of trials. This we pray in Jesus’ name.

Heart of Jesus, source of all consolation

Peace and Victim of sinners, Pray for us.

Immaculate Heart of Mary, Pray for us

St. Anthony of Padua, Pray for us. Amen!