Why are you troubled?*

Gospel Thoughts*

*Easter Season : 3rd Week - Sunday*

*GOSPEL -  Lk 24:35-48*

*First Reading - Acts 3:13-15, 17-19*

*SECOND READING 1 Jn 2:1-5a*

*Why are you troubled?*

*1) Disciples were Troubled*

There is no doubt that the disciples were really troubled. There were many reasons why they were troubled 

First of all the crucifixion and death of Jesus on the cross troubled them a lot 

Secondly, they had kept a great hope on Jesus. But with the death of Jesus they thought that everything came to an end 

Thirdly, they were freighted about the Jewish authority, thinking that they also will persecute them since they were followers of Jesus 

*2) Wrong perception of the reality was the immediate cause of the Trouble*

The main reason for the trouble was the wrong perception by the disciples 

They perceived a ghost in the Risen Christ. 

Because of their fear, anxiety, confusion and other things, they were not able to recognise the Risen Lord. But they saw a ghost

This wrong perception cause immediate trouble in them and they were terrified 

*3) Why are you troubled?*

This one of the questions which was asked by Jesus to His disciples 

He knew that they were really troubled. That is why He asked His disciples 

Yet the disciples had no answer to tell why they were troubled 

In a way it appears that they were troubled for no reason 

*4) Am I troubled in my life? 

As I look at my life today, the same question is posed to me by Jesus 

Why are you troubled? 

Am I troubled in my life? 

Trouble because of my wrong perception about money, power, position, worldly pleasures, too much of expectations, insecurity feeling and because of various challenges?

 Am I troubled, because of the busy schedule, lot of pressure from work place, pressure from family, society, friends circle? 

Am I troubled because of my sins, evil habits, pride and arrogance?

There are many reasons in life to get troubled. If so, about what I am troubled?

*5) Jesus is near when I am troubled*

When the disciples were troubled, Jesus was near to them, to support them and to encourage them 

The same Jesus is near us to help us, support us, to show us the way and to save us from the trouble

Even if we fail to recognise Jesus, when we are in trouble, still Jesus helps us in all the possible way 

Only we need to cooperate. 

Am I ready to cooperate with Jesus when I am troubled? 

Think about it

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*