“For this is the will of God, your sanctification” (1 Thessalonians 4:3).
The most spoken words in the Bible are “do not be afraid.” “Do not call conspiracy what this people calls conspiracy, nor fear what they fear, nor feel dread” (Isaiah 8:12). “They” are nonbelievers, pagans – those who do not know God. Pray for the unchurched!
In the life of a believer, fear should be eliminated with trust in God. Yet, as human beings, we worry about everything – the loss of money, our health or the loss of a loved one. In this divisive culture, there are many reasons to be concerned; the disunity is not healthy for any community. The division created among family and friends by differences of personal opinion, ideology and politics has generated much need for mercy and forgiveness. Someone has to rise above this! Those who know God have other options. The gift of redemption was not just prearranged for us in word, but through the suffering, death and resurrection of Jesus. Our highest loyalty to God is affirming the teachings of Christ.
I read a quote from Cardinal Raniero Cantalamessa that seemed very appropriate for today’s challenges: “Forgiveness does for a community what oil does for a motor. If someone begins a trip in a car without a drop of oil in the engine, after a few minutes, the whole car will be on fire. Like oil, forgiveness neutralizes friction.” We are all called to love our enemies. The ministry of mercy is not just for priests and religious.
Jesus taught that we gain nothing if we only love those who love us! He spoke in parables so that we would understand more profoundly what He has done for us! This is why honest conversation is so important. How can there be conversion of heart if communication ends in frustration? A Christian community cannot be sowing division.
“Therefore, if you bring your gift to the altar, and there recall that your brother has anything against you, leave your gift there at the altar, go first and be reconciled with your brother, and then come and offer your gift. Settle with your opponent quickly while on the way to court with him” (Matthew 5:23-25).
No one is exempt from pain and suffering in this life. We do not know how many days we have on this earth. I believe we should spend every day helping one another get to heaven. But the world we live in today needs the witness of holy people living heaven now. Know your religion, and be responsible in affirming real human dignity with truth.
Too many times in the past few years, I have comforted the pain of those who lost a loved one. These were not elderly people; they were young, stricken with cancer or taken suddenly by a horrible accident. From hopeless fear to tested faith, the only difference is the presence of Jesus. Faith is not a mystical answer to perfect peace, but a means to heal what is broken.
When you follow Jesus, there will be storms in your life; but He is with you in the journey. These trials remind us that we desperately need to keep our eyes fixed on Him. Trust God to work in you and through you; the witness will help others. We can all move from fear to confidence by the power of the Holy Spirit. This is how the Apostles learned to find joy in suffering.
What drives conversion? A good place to start is accepting our weakness so we may obtain God’s strength because laws and policies are not the answer; we need Jesus! For the will of God is our sanctification. Amen!