OUR LADY OF FATIMA (OPTIONAL MEMORIAL)

Do not let your hearts be troubled. 

It hangs from the daughter’s kitchen wall: a counted cross-stitch in a heart-shaped frame that proclaims Jesus’ words, “Let not your heart be troubled.” It was crafted by her mother during her battle with cancer. The daughter knew that those words stitched on the fabric had been written on her mother’s heart. Was the mother anxious? Troubled? Doubtful? Yes. But spending the days and weeks crafting that project had helped affirm her faith in Jesus. She knew that he remained unchanged no matter what was happening to her. So do not let your heart be troubled. Do not allow the concerns, the anxieties, the doubts to overwhelm you.

It now serves as a reminder for the daughter. Although her mother lost her battle with cancer decades ago, seeing the evidence of faith worked out with needle and thread gives the daughter hope. Hope to hang onto in the face of each day’s troubles. Hope and trust that Jesus really is going to prepare a place for us. So do not let your heart be troubled. Hold onto hope as an anchor for your soul.

Jesus’ words are for each one of us. He wants us to place our trust in his faithfulness, to believe in his promise of a heavenly home. We’ve seen that faithfulness in gifts of grace in times of plenty. But that trust is often hard-won through times of challenge or suffering. Each one of us has our own road to follow, and Jesus’ words can lift our hearts as we contemplate the heavenly home that awaits us. Do not let your heart be troubled. There are many dwelling places in my Father’s house.

You are making your own journey toward that place Jesus has prepared for you—every day, with every choice to love him and follow him. Each time you reaffirm your trust in the Lord, each time you turn to him in your joys or sorrows, his words can bring you hope. They can fan into flame your expectation. So do not let your heart be troubled. Jesus stands ready to lead you to the Father.

“Jesus, thank you that you have prepared a place for me. Lord, help me to renew my trust in you today!”

Acts 13:26-33
Psalm 2:6-11
John 14:1-6