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Someone asked me where God is in the hard times...
I pondered the question and thought that a simple response might be the most helpful.
Here's what I wrote in reply. Perhaps it will help you or someone you know...
Dear God,
When I cannot see you,
remind me that you never lose sight of me.
When I cannot hear you,
remind me that you never miss a word I pray.
When I cannot reach you,
remind me that you hold me in your arms.
When I cannot find you,
remind me that you always seek me.
When I cannot trust you,
remind me that you never give up on me.
And when I cannot, well, whatever . . .
remind me that you can, you do and you will . . .
Amen.
-ConcordPastor
It's a lovely prayer, but I can't help wonder... how do we recognize when God is reminding us? It all can drive me crazy sometimes, because I'm always looking for signs; sometimes thinking I found some that turn out not to be; or simply not recognizing anything that resembles it to be a reminder from God.
ReplyDeleteAmen. Amen.
ReplyDeleteI wonder how many of your parishioners are not able to tune into your blog, because they don't know how to use the internet? This might be a question to include on the parish survey. Often, as I read a new post, I feel sorry for those who are unable to. They are missing such a beautiful way of experiencing God. I don't know if HF could offer to teach those willing to learn. Don't know if the Harvey Wheeler Center does this. Library has computers and Hot Mail is free, so it's just learning the basics.
ReplyDeleteMary: Keep searching for signs, but while you do so, pray earnestly. With prayer, you'll begin to recognize God in the smallest of ways. Don't give up.
ReplyDeleteMary: I think the second reading (Romans 8:22-27) from Sunday's Pentecost Vigil Mass responds to your question.
ReplyDeleteBrothers and sisters: We know that all creation is groaning in labor pains even until now; and not only that, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, we also groan within ourselves as we wait for adoption, for the redemption of our bodies. For in hope we were saved. Now hope that sees is not hope. For who hopes for what one sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait with endurance.
We pray that the Lord will remind us of what we do not yet see or are having trouble seeing in the moment. Faith is trust in what we hope for, what signs may not yet reveal to senses.
How very true. Who hopes for things already seen? I need to trust and have faith. Thanks anonymous for caring, and thanks concordpastor for your wisdom.
ReplyDeleteMary: Thank ST.PAUL for the wisdom, you can thank me for passing it along. :-)
ReplyDeleteAnd I pray all that and more for those of us who are in desperate situations and need the love of God. I know He is always with me, but life throws curves and sometimes we don't have the time or the understanding to accept and believe that we are not alone.
ReplyDeleteKeep praying...Amen
Thank you concordpastor for talking about faith in what we don't see in your homily today. I know different homilies effect people in different ways. This one had a great impact on me. Your response to my comment and your homily this week have truly taught me something! I can't always be looking for the "proof." I've done that all my life, not only with God, but also with love. Our religion is based on faith. Faith of the unknown, things yet unseen, and "mystery." The trinity is truly a mystery. The consecration of bread and wine is truly a mystery. Why someone falls in love is a mystery. We can't "see" why. We can only hope and believe, that these things are real.
ReplyDeleteThis homily will stick with me for a long while....thanks.
Mary, thanks for your comment. It's always a joy for a preacher to know that just what he hoped to communicate came through! Praise God from whom all blessings and homilies flow!
ReplyDelete