On Sunday, a special message was read in all the churches from our bishop. It said “we are adrift. Sadly, a litany of hurts in recent years has resulted in a severe drop of church attendance, a severe shortage of vocations, the closing of churches and a drop in respect for our religious leaders. The Catholic community is adrift in the pain of the abuse scandal, and the scandal that plagues communities in conflict over how to make Christ present in our modern world. The bishop invited all his parishes to join him in a season of renewal beginning in Lent.Then an “ angel” appeared in our midst. She appeared in the form of a young college student by the name of Carolyn. She bounced up eagerly to the lectern to make her announcement. In a voice that caught your attention, she announced that a group of students at Brockport College were talking about the poor, the cold and winter. They decided that they wanted to do something to make a difference. So she had come to announce that these students would be collecting blankets to give to the poor during the winter months. She asked the community to check their closets at home and donate a blanket to keep the poor warm this winter. She had bought a blanket to donate and you could see her face light up, as she knew this was what Jesus wants her to do. Her inspiration and sincerity lifted the hearts of the community with a message that simply said, “Keep on keeping on.”
Are you in a situation where it appears to be the "same old, same old"? Like our church adrift, maybe you need a lift from our angel Carolyn.
Whenever I have a troubled patient in my office, I remind them of this story. Did you ever noticed that when the Lord told the discouraged fishermen to cast their nets again it was right in that same old place where they had been working all night, and had caught nothing?
If we could only go off to some new place every time we get discouraged, trying again would be an easier thing. If we could be somebody else, or go somewhere else, or do something else, it might not be hard to have fresh faith and courage; but it is the same old net in the same old pond for most of us.
Everyday is a new day where old faults are to be conquered, where old hurts and discouragements are to be forgiven, where we have failed yesterday we are to face again today. We will win success “where we are” when we pray to God, who knows that “despite” all our disheartening efforts that we call failures, He bids us to "Keep on keeping on.”
God prays for us as we reflect: “Indeed we are called blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of the perseverance of Job, and you have seen the purpose of the Lord, because, the Lord is compassionate and merciful.” (James 5:11)
Lord, I pray for all my Sonshine Friends who are caught up in their hurts and resentments from the past. Bless them to "hang in there" and to know that you are with them. We are where we are at this moment. May this one make the best of it without complaining.
