Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God. Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7)
Most of the time my writings are not very topical and don’t follow the current event timeline too closely, especially with the news. But I am making one of my exceptions today as I share with you my thoughts, prayers and hopes for the future in this land we call home. This has been a hard 10 months with the pandemic, the lock downs, the fear and anxiety, the protests, riots and destruction during the summer culminating with what occurred at the Capital Building in Washington D.C. on January 6th.
All of this has brought great sadness to my heart but has not diminished my hope. As Catholics we must be anchored in the peace of God that is founded on the knowledge and faith in Jesus Christ. I don’t understand what is occurring but I also do understand my ultimate goal, in life and in death, as well as my mission that God calls me to share with each and every breath I take. I and we as Christians, must be firmly placed on the rock of Jesus Christ.
I command you: be strong and steadfast! Do not fear nor be dismayed, for the LORD, your God, is with you wherever you go. (Joshua 1:9)
Joshua stood on the banks of the Jordan River looking out towards a destination he knew God desired for His people. Joshua didn’t know what was going to happen. He didn’t know what obstacles he would face. He was unsure of almost everything that the future held for him and God’s people. He knew one thing: God was with him no matter what. In the sorrow and fears…God was with him. In joy and celebration…God was with him. Joshua could look into the darkness and find light because of his trust in God’s providence and will for Israel. In the darkness of today we are reminded the light of Jesus Christ burns to lead us forward in faith, hope and trust.
So humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time. Cast all your worries upon him because he cares for you. (1 Peter 5:6-7)
During this time humility is difficult. We hear a lot of “what about your side” comments when reading social media and listening to the news. Blaming others while engaging in the same behavior seems the norm rather than the exception. St. Peter reminds us of something very simple, we live in God’s time and for God’s time…”that he may exalt you in due time.” This simple phrase can be frustrating and hard to phantom in the midst of turmoil. Humbling my heart in God’s presence calls me to listen and to be with not only those I may agree with but also those who I may disagree with. Jesus’ command to love your enemies (Mt 5:44) isn’t easy but it is life giving.
We are called to be a people of unity, each with different gifts and challenges who speak the truth of virtue in the face of sin and evil. In due time is God’s victory, is our salvation.
This poor one cried out and the LORD heard, and from all his distress he saved him. (Psalm 34:7)
I love the prayer of St. Theresa of Avila where she invites us into total trust in God’s divine plan. The last line: “God alone suffices” is something I pray several times a day especially in my morning prayer and at night before I go to bed. St. Theresa also lived in times of great upheaval, both politically and religiously. (Sound familiar) Yet, her faith shown forth in total trust in how God called her to conversion and how her life still brings people to Jesus Christ.
It may not be tomorrow, or next year, or even in my life time…but God’s plan will come to fulfillment in and through his holy Church. The evil one wishes to divide us through accusations and hatred. God wishes to unite us in the tender mercy of healing love. “Let nothing frighten you.”
The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom should I fear? The LORD is my life’s refuge; of whom should I be afraid? (Psalm 27:1)
Jesus reminded his disciples over and over again…do not be afraid. Pope St. John Paul II often repeated these words. He, who grew up under the evil of the Nazi occupation of Poland and then the subjugation of his country under the communist Soviet Union, knew the daily fear that can grip the hearts of people causing them to turn against those in the community and family. But, he also knew a single drop of hope, a small pinhole of faith, the glowing warmth of love destroyed the mountain of fear and oppression and allowed the dignity of the human person to grow and flourish in the most oppressive situations.
We must be diligent in guarding our liberties and freedoms but we also must be filled with peace and hope. We are called to sheath our swords and to put on the spiritual armor that brings us into eternity. We must fight our battles with the weapons of God and not of man.
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid. (John 14:27)
Jesus’ command and gift are for each of us. I know where my goal lies…in heaven. I know my mission…to proclaim Jesus. Each and everything I do should be towards this goal and this mission. I know I fail too often but I also know my goal is not my own, my mission is not my own and I am called to place them in the hands of the one true living God. We are all invited to do the same.
God Bless
Fr. Mark