Strengthening others

The Lord Is My Chef Easter Recipe for the Soul by Fr. Nicanor F. Lalog II
Tuesday in the Fifth Week of Easter, 30 April 2024
Acts 14:19-28     <*((((>< + ><))))*>     John 14:27-31

Your words today,
O Lord Jesus,
are very comforting
and soothing on these 
extremely hot days of summer;
and how amazing your words
were set in the most distressing
situations:
in the first reading, Paul was stoned
and dragged out of Lystra,
"supposing he was dead"
(Acts 14:19);
in the gospel, as You spoke
of Your impending betrayal
and arrest leading to Your
Passion and Death, You spoke
about peace, telling Your disciples
"Do not let your hearts be troubled
or afraid" (Jn.14:27).

How amazing, dear Jesus,
are Your strength and courage
to assure others even in the midst
of great turmoil Yourself;
where did Paul get those
grace and power to strengthen
the spirits of others, exhorting them 
to persevere in faith (Acts 14:22)
after he almost got killed?

Many times, my Lord,
I cave into myself,
worst, sulk in isolation
from the rest when disappointed
and hurt;
keep me strong, dear Jesus,
let me persevere in face of trials
and difficulties like Paul,
keeping in mind that difficulties
are temporary,
are meant to purify
and strengthen me 
because the enemy has no power
over me for You have already
conquered the world in love;
let me rejoice in the face of
my adversaries so that the world
may know and experience Your great
love poured upon me in Your
passion and death.
Amen.