By Zoe Cannon
Gratitude for the Gift of Faith
“Do not fear I am with you; do not be anxious: I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will uphold you with my victorious right hand” (Isaiah 41:10).
The beginning of God’s presence to the world is a great mystery. The Incarnation is the belief that Jesus is the divine son of God who took on human form. “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us” (John 1:14). This miraculous state of development advances to others by our faith, hope and love. Do not fear, our strength comes from God, and his light shines through the joy revealed in us!
Sacred Scripture teaches us to be authentic and live according to our true identity in Christ. Our authenticity is not about self-expression but being renewed in the spirit of our minds to reflect Christ to the world.
As the month of November ended and the Advent Season began, God’s miraculous presence was particularly visible in my world. I share this personal story hoping to help others who are caring for an elderly loved one. Respect and care for the aged are foundational guidelines and explicitly written in the Ten Commandments given to Moses for the sake of our salvation.
“Do not cast me off in the time of old age; forsake me not when my strength is spent” (Psalm 71:9). In Matthew 25:40-45, we are reminded to prepare for the judgement of the nations: “Whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me. Amen, I say to you, whatever you did not do for one of these least ones, you did not do for me.” These words are powerful — a visual of how we are to treat one another. In a culture guided by relativism, it is easy to make excuses for how we treat one another.
I encountered angels in the process of finding a safe environment for my 91-year-old mom to transition from her home to a nursing facility. When we needed it most, the compassion and kindness of strangers were appreciated. The challenges with technology and the details in making phone calls, sending emails and the delays of Thanksgiving week made everything more difficult. Preparing documents with health records and the reality of financial concerns was at times overwhelming. The power of prayer revealed a pre-Advent miracle for me and proof that in times of adversity, God is our strength.
The greatest comfort for my mom with this change in lifestyle was a visit from her pastor, Father Tony Ernst, from St. Francis Xavier parish in Vincennes. The priestly anointing and the blessing of her cozy home of 25 years were a gift. Her demeanor changed from anxious to peaceful, and her move into her new place was uneventful. She is still talking about the comfort of Father Tony’s presence in her life.
The gift of presence is essential for the young and the elderly, especially those in our family. God’s authentic love is revealed by our willingness to serve the hungry, thirsty, a stranger, those sick or imprisoned — it is our Christian duty. If believers do not care for those in need, the will of God is rejected. Lord, may I always show mercy the way you have shown mercy to me! “Gaudete in Domino semper.” Amen!