Jesus instructs the Apostles to not fear for He does the Father’s Will. Every Catholic man can grow in happiness by seeking the Gift of Fortitude from the Holy Spirit so he can be strengthened against the attacks of Satan and by seeking the Fruits of of the Holy Spirit so he can find happiness even in the depths of turmoil.
Liturgy
5th Week of Easter – Tuesday – Jn 14:27-31a
Commentary
Jesus continues His Farewell Discourse (Jn 13:31-16:33) during Holy Week, preparing the Apostles for their mission after His departure. Having promised that God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit will dwell in those who love Him and keep His commandments, Jesus offers final reassurance to the Apostles as His glorious and sorrowful Passion approaches.
Knowing His revelations during the Last Supper have unsettled the Apostles, Jesus gives them His peace, a peace that helps those who love Jesus to have a supernatural calmness in the face of worldly turmoil; worldly peace comes and goes but the peace of Jesus endures for those who love Him. Jesus commands them to not be troubled or afraid; instead, Jesus gently admonishes the Apostles, telling them to be joyful because He is going to the Father and will return for them.
Jesus further reassures the Apostles that He is in complete control as He prepares for His coming Passion. He reminds them that He has told them of His coming Passion, an acknowledgement He has anticipated, and perfectly understands what lies ahead. No matter the outer appearances, Jesus remains in complete control, and is making a free choice to heroically die for the salvation of mankind. The rulers of the world, Satan and his minions, including Judas, the evil in the Jewish leadership, and Pilate, have no power over Jesus. He confirms His coming Passion and death is what God the Father commands and that the world will witness His love and His obedience to the Father. Jesus ends by giving a manly exhortation to the Apostles to follow Him into battle: “Rise, let us go hence.”
Be awed by Jesus Christ
Be inspired by how Jesus meets His Passion: Son of the Father, Jesus is the Perfection of Peace; He has the Divine Power to actually “give” His Peace to men; Divine King, Jesus Diligently (a part of Temperance) prepares and strengthens His men for the coming turmoil of the Passion, systematically using Reason (arguments using Authority, Emotion, and Logic) to give the Apostles a strong basis for Faith and Hope in Him.
Be strengthened by the Spirit against Satan
Realize: While Jesus reveals that Satan, the “ruler of the world”, remains active in the world, Jesus confirms His absolute dominion over Satan and the evil schemes of men; every Catholic man who remains in a state of grace and draws near to Jesus has nothing to fear from Satan or his many minions.
Believe: Reaffirm your confidence in Jesus to Deliver Us from Evil (CCC 2850-2854).
Pray: Holy Spirit, give me the Gift of Fortitude so I have the firm confidence the Father will deliver me from every evil and have Your constant supernatural help to persevere against the continual attacks by Satan, his demons and evil men.
Find happiness in the Spirit even in turmoil
Realize: Every man wants to be happy but finds many sources of turmoil in his life: restlessness, confusion, loss of purpose, sinful desires, illness, broken relationships, financial hardship, lack of physical safety; every Catholic man who seeks Christ receives the help of the Spirit to not only endure turmoils that break other men, but find the true happiness of loving God and others.
Believe: Return to the truth about Christ’s Promise of Peace (CCC 260, 2305).
Pray: Holy Spirit, give me all the Fruits of the Holy Spirit (Peace, Love, Joy, Patience, Kindness, Generosity, Faithfulness, Gentleness, Self-control, Forbearance, Modesty, Chastity) so I find happiness even in turmoil and vibrantly love You and all the beautiful souls You bring into my life.