Go and ask Jesus - Lk 7:18B-23
Saint John the Baptist came up with a sensational simple way, when among his disciples - and perhaps in himself - a question arose whether the Lord Jesus is really the Messiah. He simply sent his disciples to meet Jesus and ask Him themselves. Jan's disciples did a great job. They decided to observe Jesus for a while first. They had seen with their own eyes the many miracles Jesus performed. They also saw how much good his listeners, especially the simple and poor, gained from the teachings of Jesus. Only after all this John's disciples came to the Lord Jesus with their question.
This is a universal method of finding answers to our various ultimate questions. When we are unable to deal with a question or problem, we must go to Jesus - not disturb Him so that our interior is filled with His light and peace - and wait for an answer.
For example, someone is troubled by the question of why there is so much suffering in God's world, why innocent people also suffer. Well, if I go to Jesus, if I am overwhelmed by the light and peace flowing from Him, Jesus will ask me two even more important questions:
1) Do I realize that maybe with my actions I am increasing the amount of suffering in the world - that maybe I should be more careful and not assume that I certainly do not make anyone suffer.
2) Or instead of being scandalized by the enormity of suffering in the world,
it would not be more helpful to try to give a helping hand to someone in need, to become a good Samaritan perhaps for the neighbor living next door?
If you find yourself in a complicated situation or if you don't know how to remove those feelings of bitterness, agitation or even hatred that you cannot deal with; or how to overcome this hopelessness or other darkness that overwhelms you, I would advise you then: go to church before the Blessed Sacrament, or kneel or sit before the image of the Crucified, or in front of the image of Merciful Jesus and say "Jesus, I trust in You" - and stay in the presence of Jesus until His peace and light embraces you. You will not always get the full answer then, but you will certainly come out strengthened and set in the right direction.
Until Tomorrow
fr. george