The book of Esther from today's reading at Mass says "Save us from the hand of our enemies; turn our mourning into gladness and our sorrows into wholeness." Is this not the prayer that is in each of our hearts, no matter what race, creed, country or gender? Do we all not long for wholeness and joy?
It seems to me that our world is in need of faithful people, i.e., people who are filled with faith, to handle the challenges our personal and communal lives present in our lives. Have you ever said "I don't know how anyone could get through this without faith." when speaking of a funeral, job loss, divorce, illness or any other uninvited life experience? It is interesting to note that when Queen Esther offered this prayer, she had no idea if and when or how it would be answered. Now that is faith.
When they removed the enormous stone from Jesus' empty tomb, forgive the unintended pun, when I say that our faith then became "rock solid." From that point on, sin and death and every other kind of distress would never more have the upper hand in people's lives. If you are not convinced of this, give it time.
The fullness of faith we long for develops somewhat like a process, as one practices to be faith-full. Gradually one's doubt is transformed into conviction. One is convinced that God will take care of him / her. No desolate feeling or inner hurt that may seem to prevail for a very long time, can change the fact that I am in God's hands and I am loved and cared for, more than I sometimes realize.
Time and experience strengthen my belief in the presence of the power and strength of the Risen Christ in my life. I only need to look back to a time I thought I would never get through to see that my boat did arrive onshore and did not capsize as I thought it would. I can see where God has helped me in the past and this gives hope for future difficulties where I can believe that, as before, God will be at my side.
Through the power of hope of his Resurrection, all will come together. Jesus, my Resurrection and my Life, grant that I may always rise with you!
It seems to me that our world is in need of faithful people, i.e., people who are filled with faith, to handle the challenges our personal and communal lives present in our lives. Have you ever said "I don't know how anyone could get through this without faith." when speaking of a funeral, job loss, divorce, illness or any other uninvited life experience? It is interesting to note that when Queen Esther offered this prayer, she had no idea if and when or how it would be answered. Now that is faith.
When they removed the enormous stone from Jesus' empty tomb, forgive the unintended pun, when I say that our faith then became "rock solid." From that point on, sin and death and every other kind of distress would never more have the upper hand in people's lives. If you are not convinced of this, give it time.
The fullness of faith we long for develops somewhat like a process, as one practices to be faith-full. Gradually one's doubt is transformed into conviction. One is convinced that God will take care of him / her. No desolate feeling or inner hurt that may seem to prevail for a very long time, can change the fact that I am in God's hands and I am loved and cared for, more than I sometimes realize.
Time and experience strengthen my belief in the presence of the power and strength of the Risen Christ in my life. I only need to look back to a time I thought I would never get through to see that my boat did arrive onshore and did not capsize as I thought it would. I can see where God has helped me in the past and this gives hope for future difficulties where I can believe that, as before, God will be at my side.
Through the power of hope of his Resurrection, all will come together. Jesus, my Resurrection and my Life, grant that I may always rise with you!
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