I HAVE ALREADY RISEN
Do we sometimes feel down, hopeless and discouraged for the reason of the many life challenges that we’re going through right now? For example, this COVID-19 pandemic that is creating so much havoc in our world right now. Does it make us feel down, hopeless and discouraged? We must not allow this COVID-19 pandemic to bring us down. We must continue to remain hopeful for there is no hopeless situation for as long as we have faith in God.
The two followers who were going to Emmaus were obviously discouraged: they were feeling down and somewhat hopeless. They were in such mood because their Lord and Master had a violent death on the cross. They thought that Jesus was their powerful Savior but they were disappointed. For Jesus died on the cross badly bruised and beaten.
Their expectations of a powerful Jesus were suddenly replaced by feeling of loneliness, defeat and hopelessness. Until the Risen Christ walked with them, conversed with them and eventually went to their house to break bread with them.
After breaking bread with them, Cleopas and his companion recognized that it was Jesus who walked, conversed and broke bread with them. Upon discovering the identity of Jesus their loneliness and hopelessness were immediately replaced by happiness, their discouragement was overpowered by encouragement. Their hopeless spirits were suddenly aflame and glowing.
What do we do when we feel hopeless, sad and discouraged? Do we just sulk in one corner as if we are the most hopeless and miserable person in this world? Or do we always call on Jesus to give us hope and strength?
When we are at our lowest we always have to remember that Jesus is always there for us and walking with us ever ready to listen to us. He wants to give us hope, He wants to inspire us and tell us this: BE HOPEFUL FOR I HAVE ALREADY RISEN.
(MARINO J. DASMARINAS)