Sunday, October 6, 2019

St. Theresa of the Child Jesus prayed, ”Oh Jesus, it is true that I am not always faithful, but I never become discouraged; I cast myself into your arms, and like a little dewdrop, I sink deeper and deeper into your Chalice, oh divine Flower of the field, and there I find all I have lost and much more besides.”

Christians of the 21st century have been corrupted deeply by the theories and the ”wisdom” of modern science and modern thoughts to the extent that FAITH does not mean anything to them anymore. But the irony is that they claim to be committed Christians. Due to this phenomenon, if life hardships become overwhelmingly unbearable they easily succumb to the prescriptions and dictates of the modern-day culture; like committing suicide, becoming anti-religious, taking consolations in drugs, hating everybody around them leading to living in isolation, etc. Instead of applying faith to surmount their situations, some perceive faith as illogical, waste of time, nonsensical and non-empirically oriented. Verily, our vocation as Christians is dependent on faith. The foundations of Christianity is hinged on faith. Our faith makes us our identity and purpose. Notwithstanding, life is not without challenges and surprises.

The prophet Habakkuk, the author of our first reading, complained (cry) of his anguish and dilemma due to how the ”storms of life” seemed to frustrate him. God finally responded to his cry with assurance and encouragement. 

My dearest one in Christ, know that life is an adventure and is full of mysteries beyond our control. I do not really know your worries in life that have become a nightmare you are battling with. It could be health issues, marital (relationship) hustling,  family problems, work situations, child delinquency, school matters, or probably something is eating you up; because of this you have been thinking and questioning your faith in God, in dilemma, in shame or the worst of it all you are contemplating on ending your life or taking a crazy decision.

Hold it right there and think again as you pray! Remember what the Lord said, ”if it delays, wait for it, it will surely come, it will not be late. The rash one has no integrity, but the the just one, because of his faith, shall live.” (Habakkuk 2:3-4) There is nothing impossible with God... Just Trust Him and have Faith... Your life will not be the same... Your story will change. God is with you! Whenever we cry to the Lord with faith and trust He surely answers. Every saint had a problem yet their faith in God made them heroes/heroines. So you see you are not the first and you will not be the last. Let FAITH WORK THE WONDERS.

My sisters and brothers, it is for this reason why Jesus Christ in our gospel reading in responding to the request of his Apostles he said, ”if you have faith the size of mustard seed, you would say to this mulberry tree, ’Be uprooted and planted in the sea, ’ and it would obey you.” ( Luke 17:6) This implies faith is a key that unlocks the mysteries of life. It gives us power and control to overcome our challenges in life. It emboldens us to be strong to confront our worries squarely. It encourages us to take the right decisions and directions. Be bold in your faith!... You are not alone... Jesus is walking with you. 

So Paul in our second reading concludes it all that, ”I remind you to stir into flame... For God did not give us a spirit of cowardice but rather of power and love and self-control. So do not be ashamed of your testimony to our Lord... But bear your share of the hardships for the gospel with the strength that comes from God.” (2 Tim. 1: 6-8) Why are you afraid? Are others scaring you? Don't you have faith? God is not dead. Pray to him in faith and hope... Unload your worries unto him and be free. Instead of complaining, ask for an increase in faith... May God be with you.

We thank God for successful Fall Festivals. Millions of thanks to the committee members for their sacrifices, also to all parishioners of our Tri-Parish and all friends for making this years’ a fantastic one. May you see successes and prosperity in all your endeavors. 

We are indeed people of faith!

Hope to see you at Church... Thanks. Have a blissful week.

Fr. Emmanuel