By Msgr. Joseph Prior • Posted May 1, 2026

(See the readings for the Fifth Sunday of Easter)

“I can help these people,” the doctor thought as he prepared for the journey. He was going to a village in the African jungle. He had seen in the news that a contagious disease was quickly spreading. He was moved by the plight of the people there. He wanted to help. Fortunately, he had some wealth so money was not an issue. He had his medical equipment shipped and transported to the village.

Once settled, he identified the disease and had medicines prepared. Eager to start providing the medicine that was sure to cure, he hit a significant road block. The people did not want his help. They refused his care. They wanted to save themselves. It was frustrating for the doctor but his desire to help persisted and waited patiently. A few young people recognized his sincerity, began to trust him and then, after a time, asked for help. He was overjoyed.

The story may remind us of the divine physician. He desires that we be healed. He has the means to heal. He is present among those in need of healing. He freely offers to heal. He awaits our response.

The scenario readily applies to our need for healing from sin. His mercy is the medicine. The image also applies to us when the healing we need is not caused by our individual sins. He is present to us when we are weighed down in fear, distress, sorrow or confusion.

These past several months have been weighing heavily on the hearts of people all over the world. The international conflicts and wars, the changing world order, the challenges to the global economy and the threats to personal safety and security all contribute to a growing fear. In this climate it is good to hear the words of Jesus in this Sunday’s passage from the Gospel according to John: “Do not let your hearts be troubled!”

Jesus speaks these words to His disciples as He prepares them for His departure and death. The disciples do not fully realize that outcome is what He is speaking about but surely they will remember these words when He is crucified. He also prepares them for what lies beyond death: His resurrection and ascension. He will go to the Father’s house and prepare a place for them so that they will all be together, alive in love.

Jesus’ words help put perspective to the troubles we face in life whether communal or personal. There is a wider context no matter how large the fear, no matter how broad the suffering.

Immediately after saying “Do not let your hearts be troubled,” Jesus offers us a salve for fear, confusion, suffering and grief: “You have faith in God, have faith also in me.” Faith is the path to peace. Faith in God and in His Son is a sure and reliable road to healing for He is “the way, the truth and the life.”

The path has been traveled by many before us. We’ve been hearing of the early Church in the first readings for the liturgies of the Easter season. Filled with the joy of the resurrection, the apostles boldly but gently proclaimed the Lord’s death and resurrection.

The message was not always well received and we hear the challenges they faced. Their faith saw them through these trials and tribulations, their joy undimmed by the world around them.

Throughout the history of the Church, we see countless people of faith facing obstacles of all kinds. They met, and continue to meet, these challenges with courage, hope, kindness and compassion, all fueled by their faith. The First Letter of Peter (the second reading) spoke to them and speaks to us: “You are ‘a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people of his own, so that you may announce the praises’ of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.”

Jesus is the divine physician who heals us from sin, fear and worry. He came into a broken world and offered himself as the medicine of mercy. He comes into a broken world and offers the same remedy.

As we face the fears and confusion, our sorrows and griefs, we hear his invitation: “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You have faith in God; have faith also in me.”

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Msgr. Joseph Prior is pastor of Our Lady of Grace Parish in Penndel and a former professor of Sacred Scripture and rector of St. Charles Borromeo Seminary. Read more reflections by Msgr. Prior here.