When the world seems to be falling into chaos and tribulation, that is exactly when we need to embrace the virtue of hope! When everything seems to be out of kilter and the earth under our feet seems more like quicksand, that is exactly when we need to turn up the volume on hope!
Joy, fear and suffering represent the trilogy of the Christian life. We would all love it, wouldn't we, if every moment of our lives found us bubbling over with joy? Maybe some people have that expectation about the Christian life. Surely the prosperity gospel reeks of it; but it's a fairytale! There is no happily ever after this side of the veil at least as the world defines it. Everlasting joy will come only for those who love the Lord and persevere until the end. But to expect Easter joy without the passion and cross here on earth in our daily life is a pipe dream. Unless, of course, we embrace God's will in all its fullness and come to recognize joy in fear and suffering. Some of the saints surely did that; but how many of us even come close?
Last night my husband and I had a telephone conversation with one of my husband's brothers. As we discussed family matters and shared about our respective grandchildren, we agreed that we live in scary times. The secular culture, under a demented president and a leftist agenda, is a mess! And the Church, which should be our rock, is teetering under the rule of evil men. It's easy to sink into discouragement and fear.
My parish in Woodstock posted and sent out a message yesterday that the meeting for parents about the start of religious education was cancelled. Here's what appeared on our parish website:
Thank you for your patience and understanding.
Can't say I was surprised.You’re not! St. Paul reminds us that, “None of us lives as his own master and none of us dies as his own master....Both in life and death we are the Lord’s.”
If you want to lead a happy life love God and His commandments. Sin is the cause of all unhappiness. Anyone who lives with the Lord as Master recognize that nothing “just happens.” Everything, both joy and sorrow are gifts that offer us an opportunity to grow in holiness. Are you sick? What an invitation to grow in patience and in love of neighbor by offering your sufferings for others. Are you healthy? What an opportunity to use your good health to serve and perform the duties of your state in life with energy! Are you treated with contempt? What an opportunity to unite your humiliations with Christ on the cross. Are you honored? What an opportunity to express your gratitude to Jesus Christ publicly and attribute all your success to HIm.
As St. Paul says, “Both in life and death we are the Lord’s. That is why Christ died and came to life again that he might be Lord of both the dead and the living.” Have faith and trust in the Lord and His love for you. “Perfect love casts out fear,” even fear of a virus that 99.8% of people survive. Death is inevitable and even that sad prospect is an opportunity to serve to the very end.
My Jesus, I trust in you.
