By ZOE CANNON
GRATITUDE FOR THE GIFT OF FAITH
“Again, you have heard that it was said to the ancients, 'Do not break your oath, but fulfill your vows to the Lord’” (Matthew 5:33).
Throughout Scripture, there are many references to covenants made to God and from Him. God promises that, if we search for Him, we will always find Him in prayer. We enter into a relationship with God through each grace-filled sacrament. We make promises to God; but when a vow is made in the Presence of God, it becomes very solemn.
We live in a secular society of broken, conditional, pending and empty promises. The most certain way to harm any relationship is to break a promise, which creates a loss of trust. Our relationship with God is the same, and sin separates us from Him. The Catechism of the Catholic Church tells us, "God created us without us: but he did not will to save us without us." To receive his mercy, we must admit our faults. "If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just, and will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (CCC 1847).
During our religion class, we were reviewing the seven sacraments in the catechism. We read about the Sacrament of Matrimony, and the importance of good and holy marriages. The boys wanted to write letters to their parents to thank them for living in a religious marriage. One line in the letter written by a nine-year-old has been on my mind every day. He wrote, “Thank you for giving me everything I need with everything you have.” This is exactly what God does for us! The sad reality is that many people do not know about this great offering – or understand how to apply this gift of grace in their everyday life!
One of the messages from Our Lady of Fatima in 1917 concerned an attack on marriage and family. We are witnessing this assault in real time, as the culture has changed God’s plan for both the sacrament of marriage and the family unit. As baptized people, we have a tremendous responsibility to speak truth about empty promises made with unrealistic expectations. Our opportunities to use the gifts of the Holy Spirit and inspire others are blessings. Every sacrament fills us with the grace we need to be the hands and feet of Christ on earth – today, in 2022.
I recently attended a 50th wedding anniversary celebration in Vincennes. The Holy Mass and reception honored Dr. Henry and Lita Matick. Their commitment to the covenant of marriage and promises fulfilled were evident in the lives of these two people. All nine of their children were in attendance, as well as relatives from across the United States. Many of them were originally from the Philippines, and had been sponsored by the Matick family to come to our country and attain citizenship. All relationships strengthened by trust are meaningful and lasting.
Our relationship with God is the same and the reason Jesus died on the cross for us. The earthly ministry of Christ was about teaching us how to love God the Father into eternity. “Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me’” (John 14:6).
We renew our baptismal promises every Easter at Mass. Please don’t overlook the significance of these words, repeated every year: “Do you reject Satan, all of his works, and all of his empty promises?” Do not break your oath, but fulfill your vows to God. Your commitment will make the world a better place! God is counting on us to protect all that is sacred! Amen!