There are lots of things to be discouraged about these days. Things that aren’t right with the world, our country, our family, and even ourselves. Dealing with discouragement is one of the most important things we can learn in the Christian life. Today’s readings and homily give us some insights.
Abraham – If anyone had reason to be discouraged, it was Abraham. He was old and had no children. His wife was barren. He lived in a nice city, but God told him to leave and go to some place called the “promised land” that really just looked like a desert. Rather than getting discouraged, Abraham had faith in God who promised him numerous descendants and abundance of fruitful land. All of God’s promises to Abraham eventually came true. He just needed to have faith and wait.
St. Paul – Sometimes, despite our fervent prayers and patient waiting, God does not intend to fix our problems in this life. This world is fallen and, in many ways, a mess. Therefore, St. Paul reminds us that “our citizenship is in heaven.” If God doesn’t fix every problem in this world, it’s because he has not made us for this world. There is a place where all suffering is ended and we are happy forever, but that place is heaven, not here.
Jesus – In the gospel today, Jesus gives three of his apostles a little glimpse of divine glory. They get to experience for a few moments a taste of the heaven that we all desire. Not surprisingly, Peter decides that he wants to set up camp and just stay there. One day we will. But for now, the glimpse of glory is meant to keep them from getting discouraged when they very soon see Jesus die on the cross.
If your’re going through difficult times, the lesson seems to be to “just hang on” and trust that God will eventually bring us joy, maybe in this life, but definitely in the next. Our psalmist today sums up our path forward: I believe that I shall see the bounty of the LORD in the land of the living. Wait for the LORD with courage; be stouthearted, and wait for the LORD.