By Zoe Cannon
Gratitude for the Gift of Faith
“In him we have redemption by his blood, the forgiveness of transgressions, in accord with the riches of his grace” (Ephesians 1:7).
Jesus preached often about the need for healing and forgiveness. He came to our world as a savior providing the grace we need to overpower any sin, resentment or unforgiveness we may have in our heart and soul.
I am studying the Letter to the Hebrews; a second century exhortation, written anonymously as an ancient homily. In these 13 chapters, the letter urges followers not to abandon their faith in Jesus during persecutions. They are urged to remain true to their Christian commitments understanding that God will reward them. The letter explains that Jesus holds an eternal priesthood superior to angels and the Levitical priesthood of the Old Testament and promises hope for heaven through salvation in his Paschal Mystery.
The readings for the last weeks of Ordinary Times in the Church talk about our need for repentance, and the merciful gift of God’s grace. During this period before the Advent Season, we hear themes of forgiveness, mercy and community. The readings focus on church life, resolving conflicts and understanding the free gift of grace. The liturgical year concludes with a message of the “end times,” stewardship and the Feast of Christ the King celebrated this year on Nov. 22.
There are 10 Sundays remaining until we celebrate this great feast instituted in 1925, by Pope Pius XI who was concerned about the true Kingship of Christ being forgotten by a civilization lacking reverence for the King of the Universe. The upheaval of World War I created a rise in atheism and secularism, which is still a concern today.
During the next 10 weeks, focus on Jesus with purpose. Much like the trials of the Hebrews and Pope Pius’ concerns of 1925, our world is in trouble. Our intentional focus on Jesus and the readings for daily Mass during these weeks will be anything but ordinary. If we pray in unity for the world to accept Christ as the King of the Universe, I feel certain extraordinary change will happen for good.
A great read for these 10 weeks until Advent is Thomas à Kempis’s masterpiece, “Imitation of Christ,” written between 1418-1427. It is considered the most widely read devotional work next to the Bible. He writes about humility and seeing good in others, not judging others harshly and finding friendship in Jesus. He accepted suffering by walking with Christ, where no enemy can harm you.
It is a challenge to see God in dark times. The philosopher Blaise Pascal believed that God remained unseen because he wished to move our “will” and not our minds. Perfect clarity into future things might help the mind but harm the will.
The insights of Pope Pius XI and his plan to honor the true King is our Christian duty today. Imitate Christ by reading the great work of Thomas à Kempis and give thanks to our omnipotent and invisible God. Our fervent prayers will create in us a pure heart for Jesus, and very possibly save the world we live in. Amen.