I am deeply troubled about two young people who have suffered a severe injustice. One poor lad died suddenly due to a drug overdose, that was given to him by his “best friend.” A co-worker said that this young man literally died in her arms after her efforts at CPR failed to relive him. She felt a failure and in shock from the incident. Later she discovered that his death was not the result of alcohol poisoning but his poor judgment as he continued to party with his friend using cocaine.The other incident concerns a good and compassionate soul whose vocation has been to care for families when loved ones have died. His services are outstanding and his compassionate and professional model the best in his profession. Now he is in danger of losing his license and freedom.
I am on my knees praying for these two young men, one in heaven and the other waiting judgment. It is mercy I pray for. At times like this, I come before God shaking my head wondering where is Your compassion and healing to be found.
Despite our anger, confusion and doubt, we need to find the anchor to help us through these unspeakable times that make no sense. We need to get away from the distractions like those Ipods, cell phones and DVD’s that drive us away from the voice that brings peace when we feel most upset and afraid.
The great truth that the monks teach is that we need a center; we need to get in touch with that God who anchors our lives and gives them meaning. Lacking this holy anchor—and we see it frequently enough---so many anchorless young people, unknowingly clutching their cell phones, iPods, texting and blaring CDs to drown out their spiritual loneliness and emptiness.
The monks remind us of whom that Beacon is, without which our souls shrivel and life becomes unmoored. This truth was brought home when a renowned theologian went to visit the monks. He asked the master of novices, “What is the novices’ biggest complaint?” The master says, “they complain they have to be up at 2:30AM to attend the divine office and sing matins and lauds. They aren’t too happy about it. They tell me it’s so much better when they’re out in the fields and they feel ecstasy and love for God. So I ask them: “all right, I forbid you to come to any services, except for Mass.” Well, after a short while they come back and said, “We didn’t come here to be farmhands.” What happened to your ecstasies? The master said. They dried up, said the novices
So, the master wisely told them, Of course, you now realize that what you are doing at 2: 30 AM is what gives you the ecstasy in the fields.
Going into the Great Silence, connecting to the Beacon, the Anchor, the Center gives you the ecstasy in the fields of your life. You won’t need alcohol or dugs or your iPods and cell phones.
When you know something scary is coming, you must find and hold onto your own source of reassurance and wisdom. You must have a steady beacon to guide you through perilous waters.
God prays for us as we reflect: “For you have delivered me from death and my feet from stumbling, that I may walk before God in the light of life. (Psalm 56:13).
Lord, I pray for these two special Sonshine Friends that they turn to you the Beacon of life for comfort and peace. Help all who face scary moments to find you in the silence where you come to stand by our side and take us by the hand and say: “I am here and there are no monsters under your bed.”
