Fifty years ago (yikes) Simon and Garfunkel, an American Folk-Rock duo, released their song Bridge Over Troubled Waters.  “Listen” to the words of the song:

When you’re weary, feeling small                                                                                                          When tears are in your eyes, I will dry them all                                                                                  I’m on your side.  Oh, when times get rough                                                                                      And friends just can’t be found                                                                                                            Like a bridge over troubled water                                                                                                        I will lay me down                                                                                                                                  Like a bridge over troubled water                                                                                                          I will lay me down.

When you’re down and out                                                                                                                      When you’re on the street                                                                                                                    When everything falls so hard                                                                                                                I will comfort you.                                                                                                                                     I’ll take your part; oh, when darkness comes                                                                                     And pain is all around                                                                                                                             Like a bridge over troubled water                                                                                                         I will lay me down.                                                                                                                                   Like a bridge over troubled water                                                                                                          I will lay me down.

In the Gospel of John (14:1-12), Jesus told his disciples, and he tells us, “Do not let your hearts be troubled.  You have faith in God; have faith also in me.”

Ok — maybe we will get troubled — but, in faith, let us choose not to stay troubled.

When Jesus says — do not let your hearts be troubled — he is saying — “I got this.  I know where we are going.”

When the Thomas told Jesus (again, John (14:1-12), “Master, we do not know where you are going; how can we know the way?”  Jesus responded to Thomas, “I am the way and the truth and the life.  No one comes to the Father except through me.”

Right now many people are getting restless.  People are READY for THIS to be over with!

Many people are frustrated by what they “see” — people they believe are not taking the situation seriously.  They aren’t wearing masks.  They aren’t social distancing.

Calling upon our faith, we are challenge to not stay troubled.  We are called to do what is best for us and those dear to us.  We cannot control what others choose to do or not do.  It may be frustrating, it might make us angry — but we are to dwell in the peace that Jesus offers and make sure he is dwelling in our hearts and homes.

In Jesus there is truth — and there is life.  If we follow him, we will not avoid all troubles or trials.  But we will prevail.  HE IS the bridge over troubled waters and troubling times.

Jesus is by our side — Jesus will comfort us —- IF WE ALLOW HIM.   We cannot figure this out on our own.  Let us place our trust in HIM.

HJM