Dear Parishioners,
It is easy to get down about all that is happening. Social media reflects the great polarity of views that Americans hold concerning politics, government, social relations, sports, and even medicine. For me, I am tired of the restrictions in my life. I would like it to be like it was before. I liked my life before, but now it is difficult, and my mood is not happy and joy-filled. What has helped me is that I can pray to a God who is bigger than all of this.
Humanity has always struggled with tension, division, war, and conflict. We are a selfish and self-centered lot, seeking control and possession. That is why the message of Christ is so revolutionary. We are to love each other. What an idea! We are to treat each other with respect. We are brothers and sisters. We are to seek the good for others. We are to work with others. God offers us a glimpse of a world that is so different than the world I see. And yet, there are examples of fidelity, honesty, care, solidarity, reverence, and healing everyday. There are many instances of kindness that people show each other.
God is present in our brokenness. He does continue to offer us his mercy and love. There is a healing balm for our wounds that resides in the powerful presence of Christ, in his words, in his sacrifice, in his wisdom, and in his invitation. That invitation is for us to let go of our pride and anger, and to believe in the greater love that God offers. He has placed the Holy Spirit within us so that we may imitate Christ in thought and action. Let us allow that Spirit to guide us, to build up rather than tear down, to join rather than separate, to seek similarity rather than difference. We may try to fix things, but only through the perfection of God can things be truly solved.
Blessings,
Deacon Steve
