Sunday, September 20, 2020

Keeping Watch Amidst the Storm

                 It was this previous Sunday’s Mass, and my parish was still forced to celebrate it outside on the school grounds.  As more and more people walked in with their folding/camping chairs, I hoped that they would remember to be reverent and only speak in lowered voices.  And they did.  Some chairs squeaked as they were unfolded, but that couldn’t be helped. 

                Mass began.  Ready to present the First Reading (from Isaiah), the lector approached the ambo and adjusted the microphone.  I prepared my heart to listen to the Word of God.

                But, just as she was about to begin, the cry of a nearby train shouted as it passed nearby.  Now remember, it was all the louder for the congregation, as we were outside and not within the enclosed walls of the church.  So the train was extra loud for us. 

                But the lector projected into the microphone, hoping she could be heard a little better.

                “Seek the LORD while he may be found, call him while he is near.” 

                It was a bold cry to raise our hearts to God. 

                There are many distractions and fears in today’s world, and the train is a sure example of this.  It can cause us to resort to our own devices.  But I repeatedly remind myself to remain in God’s Presence and to trust Him, despite the many storms.  As I mentioned in a recent vlog, we must bring Jesus to others.  We must also seek Him out, and be strengthened by the Sacraments of the Eucharist and of Confession. 

                We must remain vigilant before God, that He may reign in our hearts.  He comes in the abundance of His mercy and grace.  We must be like John the Baptist and “Prepare the Way of the Lord.”  God is faithful, and has not left His Church. 

                I do not like to get into politics on this blog, but let us continue to pray for one another.  Let us love our enemies, and that we may pass the test.  Let us remain confident and trust in God’s Plan, and be like Our Lady, who kept watch at the foot of the Cross.

                Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place my trust in You!

                Our Lady of Sorrows, pray for us!

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