This past week has proven once again that our trust cannot be placed in the things of this world. All things are passing and fleeting. Our hope is in heaven and our trust is in God who is the same yesterday, today, and forever. He never changes.
We (personally, as a society, as a Church) are tossed up and down by the waves crashing violently around us. Yet, we must keep our eyes on Christ Jesus our Lord and our sights fixed on heaven. He is our fortress, our comforter, our rock. In Him we find our strength. Our faith is in Him, not in an institution, a mortal man, a system. An environment, a society which helps us keep our faith in Him and our hope for heaven is optimal and we seek to cultivate that environment, culture, and society in our homes, churches, communities, and nation. Sometimes, however, surrounding circumstances makes it difficult to practice and live as men and women of faith. Some of our brothers and sisters throughout the world even today, and definitely throughout our Church history, live their faith in extremely difficult circumstances and situations. We pray for them and for ourselves, that we all might courageously stand firm in faith with the anchor of hope keeping us grounded in Christ Jesus!
Do not let the current tossing of the waves disturb our peace. We can weather any storm by keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus and continuing to be faithful disciples carrying out our mission here in our parish and within our own community. May we be faithful in carrying out the mission His Majesty has given us accomplish – bringing Him, His hope, joy, love, and peace to every person we encounter starting with our spouses, our families, and our parish.
Let us be firm and steadfast in our faith!
St. James the Less, pray for us!
May the Lord bless you and your families abundantly this week!
~ Fr. Daniel F. Firmin