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“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4)

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

Christianity is a religion of joy. Such a claim may sound surprising to some people. When we look at the Christian faith, we see the cross, suffering, sacrifice, repentance, and the call to deny ourselves. We hear Jesus speaking about taking up our cross and following Him. We are reminded of sin, judgment, and the seriousness of human life.

And yet, at the very heart of Christianity, we find a wonderful message: God created us for joy, Christ came to bring us joy, and heaven will be the fulfillment of our joy.

The Christian faith is not meant to make our lives sad and burdensome. On the contrary, it gives our lives meaning, hope, and a joy that the world cannot offer.

1. Christianity begins with a message of joy

When the angel appeared to the shepherds in Bethlehem, he did not announce a message of fear or sadness. He said:

“Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.” (Luke 2:10)

The birth of Jesus Christ was announced as a source of great joy. Why? Because God had not forgotten humanity. He had come into our world to save us, to forgive our sins, and to open the gates of eternal life.

The shepherds had very little. They were simple and poor people. They did not possess wealth, power, or influence. Yet they received a joy that no earthly treasure could provide: they encountered the Savior.

This teaches us something important. True joy does not depend primarily on what we possess but on whom we have in our hearts.

A person may have a beautiful house, plenty of money, good health, and many opportunities to enjoy life, and yet feel deeply unhappy.

Another person may live modestly, face difficulties, and carry heavy burdens but still possess inner peace and joy because he knows God loves him.

The source of Christian joy is not our possessions. It is our relationship with Jesus Christ.

2. There is a difference between pleasure and joy

We often confuse joy with pleasure. But they are not the same.

Pleasure usually depends on external circumstances. We are pleased when something good happens, when we receive a gift, when we enjoy a delicious meal, or when our plans succeed.

There is nothing wrong with such happiness. These are also gifts of God, and we should be grateful for them.

But pleasure is temporary. A beautiful holiday comes to an end. A celebration is over. Material possessions lose their attraction. Even our health and strength gradually diminish.

Christian joy, however, has a deeper foundation.

Jesus said to His disciples:

“I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.” (John 15:11)

Notice that Jesus does not simply say, “I want you to have a pleasant life.” He speaks about His joy.

The joy of Christ comes from His perfect union with the Father. He wants us to share in that union.

A Christian can experience sadness and still possess deep spiritual joy. He can shed tears and still trust God. He can suffer and still believe that his life has meaning.

This is one of the great mysteries of Christianity: joy does not mean the absence of suffering. It means the presence of God, even in suffering.

3. Why do some Christians appear so unhappy?

We must also ask ourselves an uncomfortable question: If Christianity is a religion of joy, why do some Christians appear so gloomy?

Why do we sometimes give the impression that faith consists only of prohibitions, obligations, and duties?

Some people attend church regularly, pray, and observe religious practices, yet their faces seldom express peace or happiness. They complain constantly, criticize others, and seem dissatisfied with everything.

Of course, we cannot judge what is happening in another person’s heart. Some people carry sufferings that we do not see.

Nevertheless, we should examine our own attitude.

Do we live our faith as a joyful relationship with God, or merely as a collection of duties?

Do we pray because we love God, or only because we feel obliged to?

Do we come to Sunday Mass with gratitude, or do we regard it as an unpleasant obligation?

A Christian who truly understands the Gospel has many reasons to rejoice.

He knows that his life is not an accident. He knows that he is loved by God. He knows that his sins can be forgiven. He knows that death is not the end.

What greater reasons for joy could we possibly have?

Pope Francis beautifully expressed this truth at the beginning of his apostolic exhortation Evangelii Gaudium: “The joy of the Gospel fills the hearts and lives of all who encounter Jesus.”

Our faith should not be a burden that crushes us. It should be a source of strength that carries us through life.

4. Sin steals our joy, but forgiveness restores it

One of the greatest enemies of Christian joy is sin.

Sin promises happiness, but it often leaves behind emptiness, disappointment, and unrest.

Think of the parable of the prodigal son.

The younger son believed that happiness could be found far away from his father. He wanted freedom, money, entertainment, and independence. He left his father’s house, convinced that a wonderful life awaited him.

At first, he probably enjoyed himself. But his pleasure did not last. Eventually, he lost everything.

Only when he returned to his father did he discover genuine happiness.

And what happened when he came home?

His father did not organize a punishment. He organized a celebration!

He said:

“Let us have a feast and celebrate. For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.” (Luke 15:23–24)

This is a beautiful image of the Christian faith.

God rejoices when a sinner returns to Him.

The sacrament of reconciliation is therefore not simply a painful admission of our failures. It is also an encounter with God’s mercy, which restores our peace and joy.

A clean conscience is one of the greatest sources of happiness.

We may possess little, but if our conscience is at peace with God, we possess a treasure that money cannot buy.

5. Christian joy is tested in suffering.

Perhaps someone will ask, “How can I be joyful when I am seriously ill? How can I rejoice when I have lost someone I love? How can I experience joy when my family is facing difficulties?

These are serious questions, and Christianity does not offer superficial answers.

Jesus Himself wept at the tomb of Lazarus. He experienced sorrow in the Garden of Gethsemane. He suffered terribly on the cross.

Christian joy does not demand that we pretend everything is fine.

But it reminds us that suffering is not the end of our story.

Consider Saint Paul. He experienced imprisonment, persecution, hunger, rejection, and many other hardships.

Yet from prison he wrote the remarkable words:

“Rejoice in the Lord always.” (Philippians 4:4)

How could a prisoner speak about joy?

Because Paul knew that no prison could separate him from the love of Christ.

His joy did not depend on his circumstances. It depended on his faith.

This principle is particularly important as we grow older. Our physical strength decreases. We may lose friends and loved ones. Illness and loneliness may become part of our daily lives.

But the Christian knows that every passing year brings him closer to the fulfillment of God’s promises.

Our earthly life is a pilgrimage, not our final destination.

And our destination is light, not darkness or nothingness. Our destination is eternal communion with God.

6. Joy grows when we share it with others

Another important truth: joy increases when it is shared.

A selfish person rarely experiences lasting happiness. The more he concentrates exclusively on himself, his desires, and his problems, the narrower his world becomes.

But when we begin to care for others, something changes.

A kind word, a visit to a lonely person, forgiveness offered to someone who has hurt us, or a small act of generosity can bring unexpected joy.

Jesus said:

“It is more blessed to give than to receive.” (Acts 20:35)

We have all experienced this.

Sometimes we visit a sick person, intending to bring comfort. But when we leave, we discover that we ourselves have received something precious.

We have experienced the joy of love.

This is why the saints were often joyful people, even when their lives were difficult.

Saint Francis of Assisi possessed almost nothing, yet he praised God for the sun, the moon, the stars, and all creation.

His happiness did not come from wealth. It came from his freedom to love God and all of His creation.

Christian joy is not something we should keep for ourselves. It should radiate from our words, our behavior, and our relationships.

A joyful Christian can sometimes preach the Gospel more effectively through his life than through many beautiful words.

7. The greatest Christian joy is still ahead of us.

There is one final reason why Christians should be people of joy: We are moving toward eternal life.

The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the foundation of our hope.

If Christ had remained in the tomb, Christianity would have been merely a beautiful but tragic story.

But Christ is risen!

And because He lives, we too are called to eternal life.

Jesus promised His disciples:

“I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy.” (John 16:22)

Think about these words: No one will take away your joy.

In this world, almost everything can be taken away from us. We can lose our possessions, our health, our reputation, and even the people we love.

But the joy of eternal life with God will never end.

Heaven will not simply be a place without suffering. It will be the fullness of love, peace, and happiness in the presence of God.

Every genuine joy we experience on earth is only a small foretaste of that eternal joy.

Conclusion: Let us become joyful Christians

Dear brothers and sisters,

Christianity is not a religion of sadness. It is the Good News of God’s love.

Certainly, we must take sin seriously. We must carry our crosses. We must make sacrifices and sometimes walk through dark valleys.

But we should never forget that our faith begins with the joyful announcement of Christ’s birth and reaches its victory in His resurrection.

Let us ask ourselves today:

Does my faith bring joy into my life? Do other people experience something of God’s goodness when they meet me? Do I help others discover the beauty of being a Christian?

We do not need to smile every moment or pretend that life is easy. But we can cultivate gratitude, trust, kindness, and hope.

Perhaps one of the greatest gifts we can offer the world today is to show that it is possible to be a person of deep faith and genuine joy.

A Christian should not be someone who constantly complains about the darkness of the world, but someone who carries the light of Christ into that darkness.

Let us remember: We are not Christians because life is always beautiful. We are Christians because Christ provides meaning, hope, and beauty to our lives, even when they are difficult.

May the joy of the Lord fill our hearts, strengthen our faith, and shine through our lives.

And may we one day hear the beautiful words of our Savior:

“Come and share your master’s happiness!” (Matthew 25:21)

Amen.

Something worse than losing our physical sight is losing our spiritual sight. A physically blind person cannot see the beauty of the world, the faces of loved ones, or the light of the sun. But a spiritually blind person cannot recognize the presence of God, the truth of His Word, or the path that leads to eternal life.

Physical blindness prevents us from seeing the world. Spiritual blindness prevents us from seeing God.

The tragedy of spiritual blindness is that many who suffer from it do not realize they are blind. They believe they see clearly. They are convinced that their judgments are correct, their decisions are wise, and their way of life is good. Yet they may be walking further and further away from God.

Jesus warns us about this danger when He says: “If you were blind, you would not have sin. But now that you say, ‘We see,’ your sin remains.” (John 9:41)

These words should make us reflect seriously on our own spiritual condition.

1. We can have healthy eyes and still be blind

In John 9, Jesus encounters a man who has been blind from birth. Jesus heals him and gives him physical sight.

But something remarkable happens. The man who was blind begins to see not only with his eyes but also with his heart. Gradually, he recognizes Jesus as someone sent by God, and finally, he believes in Him and worships Him.

The Pharisees, on the other hand, have perfectly healthy eyes. They can read the Scriptures, observe religious laws, and teach others about God. Yet they refuse to recognize Jesus as the Messiah.

The blind man receives his sight, while those who claim to see remain spiritually blind.

What a powerful lesson for us!

It is possible to know many things about religion without truly knowing God. It is possible to attend church regularly, recite prayers, and observe religious traditions while remaining blind to the needs of others.

We may know the commandments by heart but fail to practice love, forgiveness, and mercy.

Spiritual blindness begins when we see the faults of others clearly but refuse to recognize our own.

Jesus asks us: “Why do you see the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log in your own eye?” (Matthew 7:3)

How easily we recognize the mistakes of others! We notice their weaknesses, criticize their behavior, and condemn their decisions. Yet when it comes to our own sins, we often find excuses.

We are strict judges of others and merciful judges of ourselves.

This behaviour is one of the most common forms of spiritual blindness.

2. Sin gradually blinds the human heart.

Spiritual blindness rarely develops overnight. Usually, it is a gradual process.

At first, a person commits a sin and experiences discomfort in the conscience. There is an inner voice saying, “What you have done is wrong.”

But if the person repeatedly ignores that voice, something begins to change. The conscience becomes less sensitive. What once seemed wrong gradually appears acceptable. Eventually, the person may no longer recognize the sin at all.

This is how spiritual blindness develops.

Consider a person who begins with a small lie. At first, he feels guilty. Later, lying becomes a habit. Eventually, he no longer considers dishonesty a serious problem.

Or consider someone who refuses to forgive another person. At first, anger arises from an injury. But over time, anger turns into bitterness, and bitterness becomes hatred. The person becomes so occupied with another’s wrongdoing that he no longer recognizes the damage taking place in his own soul.

Sin does not merely separate us from God. It also distorts our ability to recognize good from evil.

Jesus says, “Everyone who commits sin is a slave to sin.” (John 8:34)

The more we surrender to sin, the more difficult it becomes to recognize the truth.

And the greatest danger comes when we begin to justify our sins instead of repenting of them.

3. Pride is one of the greatest causes of spiritual blindness

There is an old saying: “The proud person sees everyone except himself.”

Pride prevents us from acknowledging our mistakes. It makes us believe that we are always right, that we know better than others, and that we do not need correction.

A proud person may listen to a sermon and immediately think, “This is exactly what my neighbor needs to hear.”

But he seldom asks, “Lord, what are You saying to me?”

He sees the message as something intended for others, not for himself.

This reminds us of the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector (Luke 18:9–14).

The Pharisee stands in the temple and thanks God that he is not like other people. He considers himself righteous and looks down upon the tax collector.

The tax collector, however, stands at a distance, beats his breast, and prays: “God, be merciful to me, a sinner!”

Jesus tells us that the tax collector went home justified rather than the Pharisee.

Why?

Because the tax collector recognized his spiritual poverty, while the Pharisee was blind to his need for mercy.

The first step toward spiritual healing is humility.

As long as we believe that we have nothing to change, God cannot transform our hearts.

4. We can be blind to the suffering of others

Spiritual blindness does not concern only our relationship with God. It also affects how we treat other people.

Jesus tells us the parable of the rich man and Lazarus (Luke 16:19–31).

The rich man lives in luxury, dresses in fine clothing, and enjoys splendid meals. At his gate lies a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores and longing for something to eat.

The rich man is not physically blind. He can see his beautiful house, his expensive clothing, and his abundant food.

But he fails to respond to the suffering of Lazarus, who lies at his very door.

His eyes are open, but his heart is closed.

Is this not a danger in our own society?

We live in a world where people possess extraordinary knowledge and technology. We can see events taking place thousands of kilometers away. We can communicate instantly with people on the other side of the earth.

Yet occasionally we fail to notice the loneliness of someone living next door.

We may be so occupied with our own problems that we overlook the suffering of our family members.

We may pass by a person in need without offering even a kind word.

A spiritually blind person asks, “What can others do for me?” A spiritually awakened person asks, “What can I do for others?”

The more we allow Christ to open our eyes, the more clearly we recognize Him in the poor, the sick, the lonely, and the forgotten.

5. Jesus is the light that overcomes our blindness.

The important news of the Gospel is that spiritual blindness is not necessarily permanent.

Jesus came into the world to bring light to those who live in darkness.

He says: “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12)

In the Gospel of Mark, we encounter the blind beggar Bartimaeus, sitting beside the road near Jericho.

When he hears that Jesus is passing by, he begins to cry out: “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”

People try to silence him, but he cries out even louder.

Jesus stops and asks him a remarkable question: “What do you want me to do for you?”

Bartimaeus answers: “My teacher, let me see again.” (Mark 10:51)

And Jesus restores his sight.

But notice something important: after receiving his sight, Bartimaeus follows Jesus on the road.

He does not simply return to his former life. His healing becomes the beginning of a new relationship with Christ.

This is also what Jesus wants for us.

He does not merely want us to recognize our sins. He wants to free us from them. He wants to open our hearts, renew our consciences, and lead us toward eternal life.

We should therefore pray with Bartimaeus:

“Lord, open my eyes. Help me recognize my sins. Help me see the people whom I have neglected. Help me recognize Your presence in my daily life. Give me the courage to follow You.”

6. How can we overcome spiritual blindness?

There are several important ways in which Christ opens our spiritual eyes.

First, through prayer. When we pray sincerely, we allow God to illuminate the hidden corners of our hearts.

Second, through the Word of God. Sacred Scripture is like a mirror in which we can recognize our true spiritual condition.

Third, through the examination of conscience. At the end of each day, we should ask ourselves: Have I lived according to God’s commandments?” Have I hurt someone through my words or actions? Have I neglected an opportunity to do good?

Fourth, through the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Confession is not merely an acknowledgment of wrongdoing. It is an encounter with the merciful Christ, who forgives our sins and helps us begin again.

Finally, through acts of love and mercy. Every time we forgive someone, help a person in need, or overcome selfishness, our spiritual vision becomes clearer.

The closer we come to Christ, the more clearly we begin to see ourselves, others, and the true purpose of our lives.

Conclusion: Lord, open our eyes!

One day, our earthly eyes will close for the last time. Everything that seems so important today—our possessions, our achievements, our earthly success—will remain behind.

Then we will stand before God, and we will see our lives in the light of His truth.

We will recognize how much good we have done, how much love we have given, and how many opportunities we have missed.

But we do not need to wait until that final moment to discover the truth about ourselves.

Christ wants to open our eyes today.

Perhaps we have been blind to our own sins. Perhaps we have been blind to the suffering of others. Perhaps we have been blind to God’s blessings, which we take for granted.

Perhaps we have allowed pride, selfishness, resentment, or worldly concerns to darken our spiritual vision.

Today Jesus asks each of us the same question He asked Bartimaeus: “What do you want me to do for you?”

May our answer be simple and sincere:

“Lord, I want to see. I want to see my life as You see it. I want to recognize my mistakes before it is too late. I want to see Your presence in my brothers and sisters. I want to distinguish what is truly important from what is temporary and passing.”

Let us never forget:

The greatest tragedy is not to be blind, but to believe that we can see when our hearts are living in darkness.

And the greatest blessing is to allow Jesus Christ, the Light of the World, to open our eyes and lead us along the path of truth, love, and eternal salvation.

May we never be satisfied merely with seeing the world around us. May we learn to see the world through Christ’s eyes.

Amen.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding.” (Proverbs 3:5)

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

One of the greatest challenges in our Christian life is learning to trust in God. It is easy to say, “I believe in God.” It is much more difficult to say, “Lord, I trust You completely, even when I do not understand what is happening in my life.”

We all experience moments when our faith is tested. There are times when our prayers seem unanswered, when our plans fail, when illness enters our homes, when relationships break down, or when the future seems uncertain. In such moments, a question arises in our hearts: Can I really trust God? Does He know what I am going through? Does He care about me?

The answer of our Christian faith is clear: Yes, God knows us, God loves us, and God never abandons those who place their trust in Him.

1. Trusting God means believing in His love

The foundation of our trust in God is not the certainty that everything will happen as we wish. Rather, it is the certainty that God loves us and desires our ultimate well-being

Jesus reminds us of this truth when He speaks about the birds of the air and the lilies of the field. The birds neither sow nor reap, yet our heavenly Father feeds them. The flowers do not work or spin, yet God clothes them with beauty.

Then Jesus asks: “Are you not of more value than they?” (Matthew 6:26).

What a wonderful assurance!

If God cares for the smallest creatures of His creation, how much more does He care for us, whom He has created in His own image and redeemed through the precious blood of His Son?

Sometimes we behave as though God had forgotten us. We worry about tomorrow, about our health, our families, our financial situation, and our future.

Of course, we must be responsible and do what is within our power. But we must also recognize that not everything is in our hands.

Trust begins when we stop believing that we must control everything and begin to believe that our lives are in God’s hands.

2. Trusting God when we do not understand His plans

One of the hardest parts of trusting God is accepting that His plans are sometimes different from ours.

We pray for something and expect a particular answer. We ask God to remove a problem, to heal an illness, or to change a difficult situation. But sometimes nothing seems to happen.

We may begin to wonder whether God is listening.

Yet God’s silence does not mean His absence.

Consider the life of Abraham. God called him to leave his homeland and travel to a country he had never seen. Abraham did not know what awaited him. He had no detailed plan and no guarantee of an easy journey.

Nevertheless, he trusted God.

Scripture tells us that Abraham obeyed and went, although he did not know where he was going (Hebrews 11:8).

Abraham teaches us an important lesson: Faith does not mean knowing the entire road ahead. Faith means trusting the One who leads us.

God does not always reveal His plans immediately. Sometimes we understand the meaning of certain events only many years later. Sometimes we may never fully understand them during our earthly life.

But we can remain confident that God’s wisdom is greater than our understanding.

A child walking with his father does not need to know every turn of the road. It is enough that he holds his father’s hand.

In the same way, we should hold firmly to the hand of our heavenly Father.

3. Trusting God in the storms of life

The Gospel tells us about a remarkable event on the Sea of Galilee.

Jesus was in a boat with His disciples when a violent storm arose. The waves were breaking into the boat, and the disciples became terrified.

Meanwhile, Jesus was sleeping.

They woke Him and cried out: “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” (Mark 4:38).

How often do we ask God a similar question?

“Lord, do You not see my suffering? Do You not see my problems? Why do You not help me?”

Jesus stood up, rebuked the wind, and said to the sea: “Peace! Be still!”

Immediately, the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.

Then He turned to His disciples and asked: “Why are you afraid? Have you still no faith?” (Mark 4:40).

This event contains a profound message for every Christian.

Jesus never promised that our lives would be free from storms. He never said that believers would experience no suffering, disappointment, or difficulties.

But He promised something far greater: He would remain with us in every storm.

The presence of Jesus in the boat did not prevent the storm from arising. But His presence meant that the disciples were not abandoned.

The same is true in our lives.

We may experience sickness, loneliness, disappointment, or the loss of someone we love. Yet even in the darkest moments, Christ remains close to us.

Sometimes God calms the storm around us. At other times, He gives us the strength and peace to endure the storm.

4. Trusting God means surrendering our worries to Him

One of the greatest enemies of trust is excessive worry.

Many people spend their lives worrying about things that may never happen. They are afraid of tomorrow, afraid of losing what they possess, afraid of suffering, and afraid of death.

But Jesus tells us: “Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring worries of its own” (Matthew 6:34).

These words do not mean that we should become careless or irresponsible. Jesus is not asking us to stop working, planning, or fulfilling our duties.

He is teaching us not to allow anxiety to become the master of our hearts.

There is a great difference between responsible concern and constant fear.

Responsible concern encourages us to act wisely. Constant fear takes away our peace.

Saint Peter gives us beautiful advice: “Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7).

Notice these words: because He cares for you.

God is not indifferent to our suffering. He is not a distant observer of our struggles.

He is our Father.

Every evening, before going to sleep, we can place our worries into His hands and say:

“Lord, today I have done what I could. I entrust to You what I cannot change. Take care of my family, my future, and my life. I trust in You.”

Such a prayer can bring great peace to the human heart.

5. Jesus Himself teaches us perfect trust

The greatest example of trust in God is Jesus Christ Himself.

In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus experienced profound anguish as He faced His coming suffering and death.

He prayed: “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me; yet, not my will but yours be done” (Luke 22:42).

These words reveal the deepest meaning of Christian trust.

Jesus did not deny the reality of suffering. He did not pretend that pain was easy. He expressed His anguish before the Father.

But He surrendered Himself completely to the Father’s will.

And on the cross, shortly before His death, Jesus prayed: “Father, into your hands I commend my spirit” (Luke 23:46).

These were words of absolute trust.

Even in the darkness of suffering and death, Jesus entrusted Himself to His heavenly Father.

This is the trust we are called to imitate.

Christian trust does not mean that we will never be afraid. It means that even when we are afraid, we still trust God with our lives.

We will still have questions. It means that even without all the answers, we continue to believe in God’s love.

6. How can we strengthen our trust in God?

Trust in God does not develop automatically. Like every relationship, our relationship with God must be cultivated.

We strengthen our trust through daily prayer, through reading Sacred Scripture, through participation in the Holy Eucharist, and through remembering the many occasions when God has already helped us.

When difficulties arise, we should not immediately ask, “Why has God allowed this to happen to me?”

Instead, we can ask, “Lord, what do You want to teach me through this experience? How can I remain faithful to You in this situation?”

We should also remember that trust is not merely a feeling. It is a decision.

There may be days when we feel God’s presence very strongly. On other days, our hearts may feel dry and empty.

Nevertheless, we can continue to pray, continue to believe, and continue to do what is good.

This is especially important when we grow older, when our physical strength diminishes, when illness becomes more frequent, and when we become increasingly aware of the limitations of earthly life.

At such moments, trust in God becomes particularly precious.

We realize that our security does not ultimately depend on our health, possessions, achievements, or human relationships.

Our deepest security rests in the faithful love of God.

The Christian who truly trusts God can face even the uncertainty of death with hope, knowing that our earthly journey does not end in nothingness but leads us toward the eternal life promised by Christ.

7. Trust in God brings peace to the soul

A beautiful difference exists between a person who tries to carry every burden alone and a person who has learned to entrust those burdens to God.

The first may constantly feel overwhelmed by anxiety and fear. The second may experience the same difficulties, but knows that he does not face them alone.

Trust does not necessarily change our circumstances immediately. But it changes the way we face them.

It gives us courage when we are weak, patience when we must wait, hope when the future is uncertain, and peace when everything around us seems unstable.

We can learn much from the simple prayer that Jesus revealed to Saint Faustina Kowalska:

“Jesus, I trust in You.”

These five words contain an entire spirituality.

When we are worried about our future: Jesus, I trust in You.

When illness enters our lives: Jesus, I trust in You.

When our prayers seem unanswered: Jesus, I trust in You.

When we suffer disappointment or loneliness: Jesus, I trust in You.

And when the final hour of our earthly life approaches: Jesus, I trust in You.

Conclusion

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

God does not ask us to understand everything. He asks us to trust Him.

He does not promise us a life without suffering. But He promises never to abandon us.

He does not always lead us along the road we would choose for ourselves. But He invites us to believe that His love will remain faithful.

Therefore, let us not allow fear to rule our hearts. Let us not lose hope when our prayers are not answered as quickly as we wish. Let us not forget God’s goodness when we encounter difficulties.

Instead, let us place our lives, our families, our worries, our suffering, and our future into His loving hands.

And let us remember one beautiful truth:

We do not know what tomorrow will bring, but we know the God who holds tomorrow in His hands.

May our faith become stronger than our fears, our hope greater than our worries, and our trust deeper than our doubts.

And may we always be able to say, with a peaceful and confident heart:

“Lord, I do not know what awaits me, but I know that You are with me. I do not understand all Your plans, but I believe in Your love. Whatever happens, I trust You with my life. Jesus, I trust in You.”

Amen.

Today’s Gospel presents us with one of the most important moments in the life of the Church. Before ascending into heaven, Jesus gives His apostles a final command:

“Go into all the world and proclaim the Gospel to every creature.” (Mk 16:15)

These words are not simply a farewell. They are a mission, a responsibility, and a sacred duty. Jesus entrusts His work of salvation to His disciples. Although He is returning to His heavenly Father, His work on earth must continue.

And what is remarkable is that Jesus entrusts this mission to ordinary human beings. His apostles were not perfect. They had weaknesses, doubts, and fears. Peter had denied Him three times. Thomas had doubted His resurrection. The others had abandoned Him during His suffering.

Nevertheless, Jesus trusted them. He did not choose perfect people but people who were willing to be transformed by His grace.

This gives us great encouragement. God does not expect us to be perfect before we begin serving Him. He asks us to trust Him and allow His grace to work through us.

1. Every Christian Is Called to Proclaim the Gospel

When we hear Jesus commanding His apostles to proclaim the Gospel, we might think that these words concern only priests, missionaries, and religious sisters.

But this is not true.

Every baptized Christian has received the responsibility to bear witness to Christ. We may not all be called to preach from a pulpit or travel to distant countries, but we are all called to proclaim the Gospel through our lives.

A father proclaims the Gospel when he teaches his children to pray. A mother proclaims the Gospel when she raises her children in faith and love. A young person proclaims the Gospel when he refuses to participate in dishonesty or injustice. An elderly person proclaims the Gospel when he accepts suffering with patience and trust in God.

Occasionally our actions preach more powerfully than our words.

A well-known saying goes, “Your actions speak so loudly that I cannot hear what you are saying.”

We may speak beautifully about Christian love, but if we are unwilling to forgive, our words lose their credibility. We may speak about faith, but if we live as though God does not exist, our testimony becomes weak.

The world needs Christians whose lives reflect the Gospel they profess.

2. Faith Is More Than Knowing About God

Jesus continues:

“Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved; whoever does not believe will be condemned.” (Mk 16:16)

These words remind us of the importance of faith.

But what does it mean to believe?

Believing is not merely accepting that God exists. Even the devil knows that God exists. True faith means entrusting our lives to God, accepting His commandments, and following His will.

There is a great difference between knowing about Jesus and truly knowing Jesus.

A person may know many facts about Christ, remember passages from Scripture, and understand the teachings of the Church, yet remain spiritually distant from Him.

True faith must influence the way we think, speak, and act.

We cannot sincerely say that we believe in Christ while deliberately rejecting His teachings in our daily lives.

Faith without love becomes empty. Faith without prayer becomes weak. Faith without good works remains fruitless.

Therefore, we should ask ourselves, “Does my faith change the way I live? Can others recognize Christ in my behavior?

Jesus’ warning about unbelief is serious. At the same time, we must remember that God alone knows the human heart. The Church teaches that those who, through no fault of their own, do not know Christ or His Church may also attain salvation through God’s grace if they sincerely seek the truth and follow their conscience.

Our task is not to condemn others but to bring them the Good News of God’s mercy and salvation.

3. Christ Gives Us Strength for Our Mission

In today’s Gospel, Jesus speaks about signs that will accompany those who believe. He mentions casting out demons, speaking in new tongues, and healing the sick.

These signs remind us that the proclamation of the Gospel is not merely a human undertaking. It is accompanied by the power of God.

The apostles could never have spread Christianity throughout the world by relying only on their own strength.

They were ordinary men. They had neither political power nor great wealth. Yet they transformed the world because the Holy Spirit worked through them.

The same Holy Spirit continues to work in the Church today.

We should not think that God’s power is present only when extraordinary miracles occur.

There are also quiet miracles of grace.

When a person who has lived for many years in hatred finally forgives, that is a victory of God’s grace.

When someone who has abandoned the Church returns to confession after many years, that is a spiritual miracle.

When a family divided by conflict finds reconciliation, that is a sign of God’s healing power.

When a sinner sincerely repents and begins a new life, the power of Christ’s resurrection becomes visible.

These spiritual transformations may not attract public attention, but they are precious in the eyes of God.

We should also remember that Jesus’ words about dangerous serpents and deadly poison are not an invitation to expose ourselves deliberately to danger. They express God’s power to protect His servants as they carry out His mission.

4. Jesus Ascends into Heaven but Does Not Abandon Us  . The  Gospel tells us:

“So then the Lord Jesus, after he had spoken to them, was taken up into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God.” (Mk 16:19)

At first, the Ascension might appear to be a moment of separation. Jesus leaves His disciples and returns to the Father.

But in reality, His Ascension does not mean that He abandons His Church.

On the contrary, His presence takes on a new dimension.

During His earthly life, Jesus was physically present in particular places. After His Ascension, He remains present and active throughout His Church.

He is present in His Word. He is present in the sacraments. He is especially present in the Holy Eucharist.

Whenever we celebrate Holy Mass, we encounter the same risen Lord who appeared to the apostles.

We do not worship a distant God who has forgotten humanity. We worship a living Savior who remains close to His people.

This is especially important when we experience difficulties.

Occasionally we pray and feel that God is silent. Sometimes we suffer and wonder whether He has forgotten us. Sometimes we face problems that seem impossible to overcome.

But Christ’s Ascension reminds us that He remains Lord of heaven and earth.

He sees our struggles, knows our weaknesses, and hears our prayers. Jesus may be invisible to our physical eyes, but He is never absent from our lives.

5. The Lord Works with Those Who Trust Him

The final verse of today’s Gospel contains a particularly beautiful message:

“And they went forth and preached everywhere, while the Lord worked with them.” (Mk 16:20)

Notice these words: “The Lord worked with them.”

The apostles did not carry out their mission alone.

Christ Himself accompanied their efforts.

This is also true in our lives.

Whenever we try to do something good in the name of Christ, we can trust that He is with us.

When parents struggle to pass on their faith to their children, Christ is with them.

When a priest preaches the Gospel and administers the sacraments, Christ works through his ministry.

When a Christian visits a lonely person, comforts someone who is grieving, or helps someone in need, Christ is present in these acts of love.

We may sometimes feel that our efforts accomplish very little.

Perhaps we have prayed for someone for many years without seeing any change. Perhaps we have tried to encourage a family member to return to the Church, but our words have been rejected.

We should not lose hope.

God’s grace often works silently, like a seed growing beneath the soil.

Our responsibility is to remain faithful. The results belong to God.

6. Our Mission Begins Where We Live

Dear brothers and sisters,

Jesus tells us to go into the whole world. But for most of us, the mission begins much closer to home.

Our mission field is our family, our parish, our workplace, and our neighborhood.

There are people around us who have lost their faith. There are people who feel abandoned by God. There are people who no longer pray because they believe that God does not listen to them.

Perhaps they will never open a Bible or attend a religious lecture.

But they may encounter Christ through our kindness, patience, forgiveness, and compassion.

We should never underestimate the power of a good example.

A simple word of encouragement can restore someone’s hope. A sincere act of forgiveness can heal a wounded relationship. A humble prayer can open a heart to God’s grace.

The Gospel is not only something we are called to announce. It is something we are called to live.

Conclusion

Dear brothers and sisters,

Today’s Gospel leaves us with three important truths.

First, Christ calls every one of us to bear witness to His Gospel.

Second, He gives us the strength and grace necessary to fulfill this mission.

Third, although He has ascended into heaven, He continues to accompany His Church and work through those who believe in Him.

One day, each of us will finish our earthly journey and stand before God.

The Lord will not ask us how famous we became, how much wealth we accumulated, or how many people admired us.

What will matter is whether we loved Him, remained faithful to His commandments, and used the gifts He entrusted to us.

May we never be ashamed of our faith. May we never become indifferent to the salvation of others. And may our lives become a living proclamation of the Gospel.

Let us ask the Lord today:

Lord Jesus, strengthen our faith. Give us the courage to proclaim Your Gospel, not only with our words but above all through our actions. Help us to remain faithful to You in every situation we face. And when our earthly mission is completed, welcome us into Your heavenly kingdom, where You live and reign forever and ever. Amen.

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

There is something that every human being fears, and that is death. We fear the moment when our hearts stop beating, when our eyes close for the last time, and when our earthly life comes to an end. We do everything possible to protect our physical health. We visit doctors, take medicines, eat healthy food, and try to prolong our lives.

But there is another kind of death that is far more dangerous than physical death. It is a death that many people do not recognize, a death that can occur while a person is still physically alive. It is spiritual death—the death of the soul through separation from God.

A person can be physically healthy, wealthy, successful, and admired by others, and yet be spiritually dead. Such a person may possess everything this world can offer but lack the one thing that gives life its deepest meaning: communion with God.

Jesus warns us: “What will it profit them if they gain the whole world but forfeit their life?” (Matthew 16:26).

1. What is spiritual death?

To understand spiritual death, we must first understand spiritual life.

Our bodies receive life through food, water, and oxygen. But our souls receive supernatural life through God’s grace. When we live in friendship with God, when we love Him, obey His commandments, and remain united with Him, our souls possess the life of grace.

God created us not merely to exist for a few decades on earth but to share His divine life for eternity.

Through Baptism, we receive sanctifying grace. We become children of God, temples of the Holy Spirit, and heirs of eternal life.

But this supernatural life can be lost through mortal sin.

Mortal sin destroys sanctifying grace in the soul and separates us from friendship with God. This is what we call spiritual death.

It does not mean that the soul ceases to exist. The soul remains immortal, but it loses the supernatural life of grace.

We can compare this condition to a branch that has been cut off from a living tree. For some time, the branch may still look green and healthy. But because it is no longer connected to the source of life, it gradually dries up.

Jesus uses a similar image when He says:

“I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5).

When we separate ourselves from Christ through serious sin, we lose the source of our spiritual life.

2. How does spiritual death begin?

Spiritual death often does not begin with a dramatic rejection of God. It may begin quietly, through small compromises, spiritual negligence, and a gradual weakening of our relationship with Him.

A person begins to neglect prayer. Sunday Mass becomes less important. The commandments of God are no longer taken seriously. The voice of conscience becomes weaker.

At first, the person may still experience guilt. But when sin is repeated and justified, the conscience can become less sensitive.

Eventually, what was once recognized as wrong begins to appear normal.

This is one of the greatest dangers of sin: it can gradually make us spiritually blind.

We must distinguish, however, between spiritual negligence and mortal sin. Not every weakness or venial sin causes spiritual death. For a sin to be mortal, three conditions must be present: grave matter, full knowledge, and deliberate consent.

Nevertheless, even smaller sins should not be treated lightly, because they can weaken our love for God and prepare the way for more serious failures.

Saint Paul writes:

“You were dead through the trespasses and sins in which you once lived.” (Ephesians 2:1–2).

He speaks about people who were physically alive but spiritually dead because they lived under the power of sin.

How many people today live in a similar condition without realizing it?

They are busy with their work, their possessions, their entertainment, and their personal ambitions. They make plans for the future but rarely think about eternity.

They care for their bodies but neglect their souls.

3. The signs of spiritual death

How can we recognize that our spiritual life is in danger?

One important sign is the loss of interest in God.

Prayer becomes an unnecessary burden. The Holy Eucharist no longer seems important. The Word of God does not touch the heart. The person no longer feels a desire to seek God’s will.

Another sign is the loss of sensitivity to sin.

A spiritually healthy conscience recognizes evil and calls us to repentance. But a conscience that has become hardened may excuse even serious wrongdoing.

A third sign is the absence of genuine love.

Where selfishness, hatred, envy, cruelty, and indifference dominate the heart, they seriously endanger spiritual life.

Saint John writes:

“Whoever does not love abides in death.” (1 John 3:14).

These signs do not automatically prove that a person has committed mortal sin. They are warnings inviting us to examine our relationship with God.

We should also remember that spiritual dryness is not necessarily spiritual death. Even faithful Christians and great saints have experienced periods when God seemed distant. What matters is whether we continue seeking Him with faith and perseverance.

4. The tragedy of the prodigal son

One of the most beautiful explanations of spiritual death is found in Jesus’ parable of the prodigal son.

The younger son leaves his father’s house. He wants freedom, independence, pleasure, and a life without responsibility.

He believes that happiness can be found far away from his father.

But eventually he loses everything. His money disappears, his friends abandon him, and he finds himself hungry and humiliated.

Only then does he recognize his mistake.

He says: “I will get up and go to my father.” (Luke 15:18).

When he returns, his father receives him with open arms.

And the father declares:

“For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.” (Luke 15:24).

Notice these words: “He was dead and is alive again.”

The son had not physically died. He was spiritually dead because he had separated himself from his father’s love.

His return symbolizes conversion, repentance, and reconciliation with God.

This parable teaches us a wonderful truth: spiritual death does not have to be our final condition.

As long as we live, the door of God’s mercy remains open.

5. Jesus Christ came to restore spiritual life.

If spiritual death were the end of the story, Christianity would be a religion of fear and despair.

But the Gospel is the message of hope.

Jesus Christ came into the world precisely to save us from sin and spiritual death.

He says:

“I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.” (John 10:10).

Through His suffering, death, and Resurrection, Jesus conquered the power of sin and opened the way to eternal life.

Consider the raising of Lazarus.

Lazarus had been dead for four days. His body was already in the tomb. From a human perspective, there was no hope.

But Jesus stood before the tomb and cried out:

“Lazarus, come out!” (John 11:43).

And the dead man came out alive.

This miracle is also a powerful image of what Christ can do for a soul spiritually dead through sin.

No matter how far someone has wandered from God, no matter how serious the sins may be, Christ has the power to restore the life of grace.

There is no sin greater than God’s mercy when a person sincerely repents and turns back to Him.

6. The Sacrament of Confession—the resurrection of the soul

One of the greatest gifts Jesus has given His Church is the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

When a person commits mortal sin, the supernatural life of grace is lost. But through sincere repentance and sacramental absolution, that life is restored.

The confessional is therefore not merely a place where we speak about our failures.

It is a place where God’s mercy raises the spiritually dead to new life.

How beautiful it is when someone who has lived for many years far from God finally returns to confession!

Perhaps that person enters the confessional carrying a heavy burden of guilt, shame, and regret.

But after a sincere confession and absolution, the person leaves reconciled with God, restored to the life of grace, and filled with renewed hope.

Jesus says:

“There will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.” (Luke 15:7).

We should never be afraid to return to God.

The devil wants us to believe that our sins are too great to be forgiven. He wants us to remain in despair and spiritual darkness.

But Christ tells us that His mercy is greater than our sins.

7. How can we protect ourselves from spiritual death?

We must care for our souls at least as seriously as we care for our bodies.

Just as physical life requires nourishment, spiritual life requires prayer, the sacraments, and daily communion with God.

We should examine our conscience regularly and honestly acknowledge our sins. We should receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation whenever we have fallen into mortal sin and approach Holy Communion with the proper disposition.

We should also nourish our souls with the Word of God, practice charity, forgive those who have hurt us, and avoid situations that lead us into serious sin.

Above all, we must remain united with Jesus Christ.

For He alone is the source of eternal life.

A person who lives in God’s grace may still experience suffering, illness, loneliness, and physical death. But physical death cannot destroy the eternal life that Christ has promised to those who remain faithful to Him.

Jesus says:

“Everyone who lives and believes in me will never die.” (John 11:26).

These words do not mean that believers will escape physical death. They mean that death will not have the final victory over those who belong to Christ.

8. The most important question of our lives

One day, each of us will have to leave this world.

Our possessions will remain behind. Our houses, money, achievements, and earthly honors will no longer matter.

What will matter is the condition of our souls.

We should therefore ask ourselves a question that is more important than our health, our success, or our financial security:

Am I spiritually alive? Am I living in friendship with God?

Perhaps we have neglected prayer for a long time.

Perhaps we have become accustomed to sins that we no longer take seriously.

Perhaps we have allowed bitterness, pride, or hatred to take root in our hearts.

Perhaps we have postponed confession and conversion, telling ourselves there will always be another opportunity.

But none of us knows how much time remains.

That is why Saint Paul reminds us:

“See, now is the acceptable time; see, presently is the day of salvation!” (2 Corinthians 6:2).

We should not postpone our return to God.

Conclusion: Choose life, not death.

Physical death is something that every human being must face. But spiritual death is something we are called to avoid through God’s grace.

God does not desire the spiritual death of His children. He desires their conversion, salvation, and eternal happiness.

Through the prophet Ezekiel, God declares:

“For I have no pleasure in the death of anyone,” says the Lord God. Turn, then, and live.” (Ezekiel 18:32).

These words also speak to us today.

God is inviting us to turn away from sin and return to Him.

He is inviting us to leave spiritual darkness and enter His light.

He is inviting us to exchange the emptiness of sin for the fullness of His love.

Let us remember that the greatest tragedy is not to die physically but to die spiritually and remain separated from God for eternity.

And the greatest happiness is not merely to live a long and comfortable life on earth but to live in God’s grace and one day enter His eternal kingdom.

May we never forget the words of Jesus:

“I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live.” (John 11:25).

Let us therefore choose Christ, choose His grace, choose holiness, and choose eternal life.

Amen.

Closing Prayer

Lord Jesus Christ, You are the source of all life and holiness. Protect us from the spiritual death caused by mortal sin. Awaken our consciences when we wander away from You. Give us the courage to recognize our faults, the humility to repent, and the grace to return to You through the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

Never allow our hearts to become hardened or indifferent to Your love. Keep us united with You throughout our earthly lives, so that when the hour of our physical death arrives, we may enter the joy of eternal life in Your heavenly kingdom.

Amen.

The Sacred Heart of Jesus—A Heart That Never Stops Loving Us

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

Today, on the First Friday of the month, we gather to honor the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus. This devotion reminds us of one of the greatest truths of our Christian faith: God loves us with a love that never grows tired, never gives up, and never comes to an end.

In the Gospel, Jesus says: “Come to me, all you who labour and are burdened, and I will give you rest” (Mt 11:28).

These words reveal the very heart of our Savior. Jesus does not say: Come to me only when you are holy. He does not say: Come to me only when you have overcome all your weaknesses. He simply says: Come to me.

His invitation is addressed to everyone: to the righteous and to sinners, to the strong and to the weak, to those who are joyful and to those whose hearts are filled with sorrow.

1. The Sacred Heart reveals the love of God.

When we look at an image of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, we see a heart surrounded by thorns, pierced by a wound, and burning with flames of love.

Every detail has a deep spiritual meaning.

The flames remind us that Christ’s love is alive and burning. The crown of thorns reminds us of the suffering He endured because of our sins. The wound recalls the soldier’s lance that pierced His side on Calvary.

But above all, the Sacred Heart reminds us that Jesus did not merely speak about love. He proved His love through His suffering and death on the cross.

Human love is often imperfect. People sometimes love us only when we fulfil their expectations. Friendships can grow cold, promises can be broken, and even those closest to us may disappoint us.

But the love of Jesus is different.

He knows our weaknesses, our failures, our hidden thoughts, and our sins. Nevertheless, He continues to love us.

We may forget Him, but He never forgets us. We may turn away from Him, but He continues to wait for our return.

This is the wonderful message of the Sacred Heart: God’s love is greater than our sins.

2. The Sacred Heart is a school of mercy

Dear brothers and sisters,

One of the greatest dangers in our spiritual lives is that we become accustomed to God’s love. We hear so often that God loves us that these words may no longer touch our hearts.

But consider what this love really means.

Jesus knew that Judas would betray Him, yet He did not cease loving him. He knew that Peter would deny Him three times, yet He did not reject him. He saw the sins of the people who crucified Him, yet He prayed: “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing” (Lk 23:34).

What extraordinary mercy!

The Sacred Heart teaches us that mercy is not weakness. Mercy is the strength of divine love, which seeks to save rather than destroy.

Perhaps we carry the burden of past mistakes. Perhaps our conscience reminds us of things we should have done differently. Perhaps we have failed in our duties towards God or towards other people.

Today Jesus invites us to place all these burdens into His Sacred Heart.

He does not want us to remain prisoners of our past. He wants to forgive us, heal us, and give us a new beginning.

That is why devotion to the Sacred Heart should also lead us to the Sacrament of Reconciliation. In confession, we experience personally the mercy that flows from the pierced Heart of Christ.

3. Why do we celebrate the First Friday?

The devotion of the First Fridays is closely connected with the revelations of the Sacred Heart to St. Margaret Mary Alacoque in the seventeenth century.

Jesus invited the faithful to receive Holy Communion on the first Friday of nine consecutive months in a spirit of love and reparation.

But what does reparation mean?

It means responding with love to the love of Jesus, which is so often ignored, rejected, or offended by human sin.

We cannot undo the suffering of Christ on Calvary. But we can console His Heart by our faithfulness, our repentance, our prayers, and our acts of charity.

When we participate in Holy Mass, receive Holy Communion worthily, and spend time in prayer before the Blessed Sacrament, we are saying to Jesus:

“Lord, I know that many people have forgotten You. I know that Your love is often rejected. But I want to love You. I want to remain faithful to You. I want to give You a place in my heart.”

The First Friday is therefore not merely a religious custom. It is an opportunity to renew our personal friendship with Jesus.

We should never reduce this devotion to the mechanical fulfilment of a religious obligation. Jesus does not simply want us to observe nine Fridays. He wants our hearts to belong to Him every day of our lives.

4. Our hearts must become like the Heart of Jesus

Jesus says in the Gospel: “Learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart” (Mt 11:29).

Notice that Jesus does not say: Learn from me how to perform miracles. He does not say: Learn from me how to impress other people.

He says: Learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart.

This is perhaps the most important lesson of devotion to the Sacred Heart.

It is not enough to honor the Heart of Jesus with beautiful prayers and hymns. We must also try to imitate His love in our daily lives.

What does that mean in practice?

It means forgiving someone who has hurt us. It means being patient with those who are difficult. It means helping people who cannot repay us. It means speaking kindly instead of harshly. It means refusing to carry hatred or bitterness in our hearts.

Sometimes we may spend a long time praying in church, but as soon as we return home, we become impatient, critical, or unforgiving.

Then we must ask ourselves: Has my devotion to the Sacred Heart truly changed my heart?

The true measure of our love for Jesus is not only how much we pray, but also how much we love.

A heart that belongs to Jesus must gradually become more merciful, more humble, and more generous.

5. The Sacred Heart is our refuge in suffering

Every human life includes moments of suffering.

There are times when we experience illness, loneliness, disappointment, or fear of the future. As we grow older, we become increasingly aware of the fragility of human life.

Sometimes we may even ask: Lord, where are You? Why do You allow me to suffer?

The Sacred Heart does not promise us a life without crosses. But it assures us that we never have to carry our crosses alone.

Jesus Himself experienced suffering. He knew what it meant to be rejected, abandoned, misunderstood, and betrayed.

Therefore, when we suffer, we do not turn to a distant God who knows nothing about human pain. We turn to the Saviour whose own heart was pierced for us.

His Heart understands our tears, even when we cannot express our suffering in words.

And His promise remains: “Come to me, all you who labour and are burdened, and I will give you rest.”

The peace that Jesus gives is not necessarily the removal of every problem. It is the certainty that we are loved and that our lives remain in God’s hands.

6. Let us give Jesus our hearts

Dear brothers and sisters,

On this First Friday, Jesus asks each of us a simple but important question:

“I have given you my Heart. Are you willing to give me yours?”

We may have many things to offer God: our prayers, our work, our sacrifices, and our good deeds.

But what Jesus desires most is our love.

He wants to be present not only in our churches, but also in our homes, our families, our decisions, and our daily activities.

Let us therefore renew our devotion to the Sacred Heart today.

Let us entrust to Him our families, especially those who have lost their faith. Let us pray for sinners, for the sick, for the lonely, and for those who are approaching the end of their earthly lives.

And let us ask Jesus to remove from our hearts everything that prevents us from loving Him more deeply.

Conclusion

The Sacred Heart of Jesus is an everlasting sign that God has not abandoned humanity.

Even when the world becomes cold and indifferent, His Heart continues to burn with love.

Even when people reject Him, His Heart remains open.

Even when we fall into sin, His Heart invites us to return.

May this First Friday strengthen our faith, renew our hope, and deepen our love for Jesus.

And may we never forget that the safest place for the human heart is in the Sacred Heart of our Saviour.

Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us.

Sacred Heart of Jesus, burning with love for us, make our hearts like Yours.

Sacred Heart of Jesus, I trust in You.

Amen.

Jesus’ parable of the wise and foolish virgins (Mt 25:1–13) remains relevant in our own time as part of His “eschatological discourse.” Let us therefore ask ourselves: Do we, too, have enough oil to guide those who sincerely seek the Bridegroom’s presence in their lives?

The final major section of Matthew’s Gospel invites us to reflect on the Parousia (the Second Coming of Christ) and on our watchfulness. This section includes the well-known parable of the ten virgins.

The Wise and Foolish Virgins

The parable tells the story of bridesmaids who are expected to await the Bridegroom, ready to welcome Him, go out to meet Him with lamps filled with oil, and accompany Him to the wedding feast.

Five of them are well prepared for the bridegroom’s arrival. Not only are they ready to keep watch, but at the decisive moment they also have enough oil to do what is expected.

The other five succumb to drowsiness and fall asleep. The bridegroom surprises them with His sudden arrival. When a cry awakens them in the middle of the night, only then do they realize that they do not have enough oil.

They go out to buy some, but it is already too late. There is no longer enough time to save the situation. In the end, they remain outside and cannot enter the wedding feast.

Their desperate pleas are of no avail. They can no longer claim a place in the bridegroom’s presence. They hear the harsh rejection: “I do not know you!”

As Shakespeare once aptly wrote: “Friendship, which wisdom has not bound together, folly may easily untie.”

The contrast between wisdom and foolishness runs like a thread throughout the whole of Scripture. The wisdom books in particular praise prudence and warn against foolishness.

Wisdom, however, is not a matter of cunning or mere intelligence. Rather, it is an attitude toward life characteristic of a person who has transformed personal experience into a prudent way of thinking and acting.

Jesus also speaks of this contrast in other parables, for example, in the story of the wise man who built his house not on sand but on rock (Mt 7:24–27).

Above all, true wisdom means placing our trust in the Lord.

Continually Going Out to Meet the Lord

The story of the ten bridesmaids also offers an important lesson to all those who postpone their duties until the last moment and eventually become victims of their own foolishness.

They fail to accomplish what they should because they have spent too much time on other things—activities that are more entertaining, less demanding, and more comfortable.

Their misfortune lies in the fact that they repeatedly follow the same pattern of behavior, even though their negligence has already caused them so much trouble.

For example, they may have found themselves exhausted, watching a train depart without them, or knocking in vain on the doors of a public office after closing time.

An proverb says, “Never put off until tomorrow what you can do today.”

Yet we often seem to follow a different principle: “What you can do today, put off until the day after tomorrow, and you will have two days off.”

In reality, only a person who has developed the habit of acting without unnecessary delay can avoid constant pressure and find inner peace.

However, it is only through the repeated practice of prudent behavior that we can gradually overcome the bad habits that leave us outside the doors of the wedding hall, where nothing remains but “weeping and gnashing of teeth” (cf. Mt 24:51; 25:30).

Nevertheless, the parable of the bridesmaids contains a much deeper spiritual meaning.

The earthly life of every Christian, from the cradle to the grave, is marked by a continual journey toward the Lord.

We, too, are awaiting the arrival of the bridegroom. We are called to remain watchful, always prepared to give an account of the gifts that have been entrusted to our care.

The vessels without oil can symbolize a life without trust in God, a religious practice consisting merely of a series of empty rituals.

At the same time, we should not understand the wedding feast only as a metaphor for our future communion with God at the end of time.

This parable reminds us that even now we can encounter God and become united with Him.

God enters our everyday lives whenever we willingly rise above what we have been and move toward what we can become through His power.

For the Church is not meant to be merely a group of prudent virgins who are permitted to sit at the same table as the Bridegroom. She is called to become His Bride.

In our secular society, we encounter many people who long for an authentic spiritual life.

Yet quite often they do not find it within the Church. Consequently, they seek answers to their questions about the meaning of life outside institutional religion.

Christians who are satisfied with merely fulfilling religious customs and traditions do not have enough oil to illuminate the path for those who sincerely seek the presence of the Bridegroom.

On the other hand, we will bear credible and convincing witness to our faith only when we take the Gospel seriously and refuse to be satisfied with mediocrity.

Every human being longs for peace. We desire peace in our families, peace among nations, peace in our relationships, and above all, peace in our hearts. Yet, when we look at the world around us, we see so much unrest, hatred, division, violence, and war. Even within families, where love should reign, we sometimes encounter bitterness, jealousy, resentment, and hostility.

Why is peace so difficult to achieve and preserve?

One answer our Christian faith provides is that the devil does not want peace. He knows that peace is one of God’s greatest gifts to humanity. He knows that where genuine peace reigns, love can flourish, faith can grow, and people can come closer to God. That is precisely why he tries to destroy it.

1. God is the source of peace.

When Jesus was born in Bethlehem, the angels proclaimed: “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors!” (Luke 2:14).

When Jesus appeared to His disciples after His resurrection, His first words were, “Peace be with you!” (John 20:19).

And before His suffering and death, He told His apostles, “Peace, I leave with you; the peace I give to you.” ” I do not give to you as the world gives.” (John 14:27).

These words reveal something essential: Jesus came not only to save us from sin but also to reconcile us with God and with one another.

The peace that Jesus offers is not merely the absence of conflict. It is the peace of a conscience reconciled with God, the peace of a heart that knows how to forgive, the peace of a person who trusts in God’s providence even during suffering.

A person who lives in friendship with God can experience inner peace even when life is difficult.

The saints understood these principles very well. Many of them suffered persecution, imprisonment, illness, and rejection. Yet they did not lose their inner peace because their hearts belonged to Christ.

2. The devil is the enemy of peace

Jesus describes the devil as a liar and the father of lies (John 8:44).

The devil does not usually appear before us and openly say, “I want to destroy your peace.” Instead, he works through temptation, deception, suspicion, pride, envy, anger, and hatred.

He tries to convince us that we are always right and that others are always wrong. He encourages us to remember offenses instead of forgiving them. He tempts us to judge others harshly and to interpret their words and actions in the worst possible way.

How often does a small misunderstanding become a serious conflict?

A careless word can provoke anger. Anger can develop into resentment. Resentment can become hatred. And hatred can destroy relationships that took many years to build.

This is precisely what the devil desires: division instead of unity, revenge instead of forgiveness, hostility instead of love.

The very word “devil” comes from the Greek word diabolos, which means “slanderer” or “accuser.” He seeks to separate people from God and from one another.

We should remember, however, that the devil does not directly cause every disagreement. Human weakness, selfishness, misunderstanding, and wounded feelings also contribute to conflict. But the devil seeks to exploit these weaknesses and turn them into lasting divisions.

3. The devil especially attacks peace in families.

The family is meant to be a place of love, security, understanding, and mutual support. It is often the first school in which we learn to love God and our neighbor.

But we know that family life is not always easy.

Husbands and wives sometimes argue over insignificant matters. Parents and children may misunderstand one another. Brothers and sisters may stop speaking because of an inheritance dispute or an old offense.

Sometimes people who once loved one another deeply become strangers.

What a tragedy when members of the same family live for years without reconciliation!

And what is even more tragic is that sometimes nobody wants to take the first step toward peace.

Everyone waits for the other person to apologize.

Everyone believes that the other person must change first.

But Jesus teaches us a different way.

He says: “If you are offering your gift at the altar, and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother or sister.” (Matthew 5:23–24).

Jesus places reconciliation among the most important duties of Christian life.

Sometimes a single sentence can restore peace: “I am sorry. Please forgive me.”

These few words may require great humility, but they can heal wounds that have remained open for years.

The devil rejoices when people refuse to forgive. Christ rejoices when they find the courage to be reconciled.

4. The devil wants to destroy our inner peace

The devil does not attack only relationships between people. He also tries to disturb the peace of our souls.

He may tempt us with unnecessary fear, discouragement, jealousy, and distrust of God.

Occasionally he reminds us of our past sins, not to lead us toward repentance, but to convince us that God can no longer forgive us.

He whispers, as it were, “You have failed too many times. You will never become a better person. God has forgotten you.”

But these thoughts contradict the Gospel.

Jesus came precisely to seek and save those who were lost.

God does not abandon the sinner who sincerely repents. His mercy is greater than our sins.

Saint Paul writes: “Since we are justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Romans 5:1).

That is why the Sacrament of Reconciliation is such a precious gift.

In confession, we do not merely receive forgiveness for our sins. We also experience the healing power of God’s mercy.

How many people have entered the confessional burdened by guilt and left with renewed peace in their hearts!

We should not allow the enemy of our salvation to rob us of our confidence in God’s mercy.

5. There can be no true peace without truth and justice

We must also understand that Christian peace does not mean avoiding every disagreement or remaining silent in the face of evil.

Occasionally we must defend the truth, protect the innocent, and oppose injustice.

Jesus Himself confronted hypocrisy and injustice. Yet He never allowed hatred to determine His actions.

True peace cannot be built upon lies, oppression, or the humiliation of others.

Peace requires truth, justice, mercy, and respect for human dignity.

This principle applies not only to personal relationships but also to the relationships between nations.

We live in a world where wars continue to cause enormous suffering. Innocent people lose their homes, families, and sometimes their lives.

War reveals how destructive hatred, greed, the desire for power, and contempt for human dignity can become.

The devil delights in destruction because he is the enemy of life and love.

But Christ calls us to become instruments of reconciliation.

Christians must never become indifferent to the suffering caused by war. We are called to pray for peace, help those who suffer, defend the innocent, and reject hatred.

6. How can we resist the devil and preserve peace?

Saint James gives us a clear instruction: “Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.” (James 4:7–8).

We resist the devil not by hatred, but by living according to the Gospel.

When someone insults us, we should resist the temptation to retaliate.

When someone hurts us, we should ask God for the grace to forgive.

When anger begins to grow in our hearts, we should remember that an unkind word can cause wounds that are difficult to heal.

When we are tempted to spread gossip, we should ask ourselves whether our words will bring peace or create division.

And when we encounter a conflict, we should ask: “What would Jesus do in my place?”

Prayer is especially important.

A person who prays sincerely learns to look at others with greater patience and understanding.

The Eucharist also strengthens us in the struggle against evil. In Holy Communion, we receive Christ Himself, the Prince of Peace.

But we must remember that receiving Holy Communion should also change the way we treat other people.

It would be a contradiction to receive the Body of Christ at the altar while deliberately nurturing hatred against our brothers and sisters.

We can only sincerely ask God for mercy if we show mercy to others.

7. Blessed are the peacemakers.

Jesus does not merely say, “Blessed are those who enjoy peace.”

He says, “Blessed are the peacemakers.”

There is an important difference.

A peacemaker does not simply wait until others establish peace. A peacemaker actively works for reconciliation.

A peacemaker is willing to listen, to understand, to forgive, and sometimes to make sacrifices for the sake of unity.

It is easy to love those who agree with us. It is much more difficult to show kindness toward those who criticize us, disappoint us, or treat us unfairly.

Yet this is precisely where Christian love is tested.

Jesus tells us: “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” (Matthew 5:44).

These words are demanding, but they show us the path toward genuine peace.

We cannot always change the hearts of others. We cannot always resolve every conflict. Reconciliation also requires the willingness of the other person, and forgiveness does not mean accepting abuse or injustice.

But we can decide not to allow hatred to take possession of our own hearts.

We can refuse to answer evil with evil.

We can become instruments of God’s peace.

Conclusion: Do not allow the devil to steal your peace

Dear brothers and sisters,

The devil does not want peace because peace brings people closer to God.

He wants us to live in bitterness, suspicion, anger, and division.

Jesus wants something entirely different.

He wants our hearts to be filled with love, our families with understanding, our communities with unity, and our world with justice and peace.

Therefore, we should examine our consciences today.

Is there someone whom I refuse to forgive?

Is there someone I have not spoken to for a long time because of an old disagreement?

Do my words bring peace, or do they create tension?

Am I willing to take the first step toward reconciliation?

Perhaps today Jesus is inviting us to do something very concrete: to make a telephone call, to visit someone, to apologize, or simply to offer a kind word.

Sometimes such a small gesture can become the beginning of a great reconciliation.

Every time we overcome hatred with love, every time we replace revenge with forgiveness, and every time we choose reconciliation instead of division, we resist the devil and allow Christ to triumph in our lives.

Let us remember the words of Saint Paul:

“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Romans 12:21).

May Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace, protect our hearts from hatred, strengthen our families in love, and make each of us an instrument of His peace.

And may the peace that Christ gives us become a gift that we bring to everyone we meet.

Amen.