By ZOE CANNON
GRATITUDE FOR THE GIFT OF FAITH
“Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed” (John 20:29).
In every age, pilgrims have traversed the earth sharing good news about God’s plan for Creation. Conversely, many have done their equal best to destroy all that is good in the Kingdom of God. The fall of Adam and Eve, those who ignored the warnings from the prophets, the doubting disciples and our current sinful culture have all participated in breaking covenants with God.
Faith is a personal act. Our need for God is very real! If you have doubts, or realize poor catechesis and lack of knowledge about sacred scripture and sacred tradition are stumbling blocks in growing your faith, please begin reading and studying. The Catechism of the Catholic Church is a tremendous resource for answering any questions you might have about the Catholic faith. We must believe in things visible and invisible to remain hopeful in the trials of life!
The past few years have been challenging for everyone, for many different reasons. Reading scripture is a great way to remain joyful despite all the rhetoric and confusion created by the world of information! The news and social-media outlets often create opposing views on issues that are important to a healthy society. Focusing on the teachings of Jesus makes a tremendous difference in how you live in this world. We have certainly made a mess of the good things created by our loving, heavenly father.
I enjoy reading books about the lives of the saints. The witness of holy people gives me hope and reminds me that people have always battled a culture of darkness. I began studying our Indiana connections to sainthood with the lives of Servant of God Bishop Simon Bruté and Saint Mother Theodore Guerin. I prepared a day of catechesis with this great history for students from our parish, Saints Francis and Clare of Assisi. Every year, the fifth-grade students are assigned to research a saint; their work is displayed on All Saints Day for the parishioners to enjoy. During the outdoor retreat with the students, we focused on the sacrifices of these two heroic people who brought the faith to Indiana from France. We also learned about the process for canonization in the Roman Catholic Church.
The most important message shared during the day was our need for God. We are created in His image and called to be holy. Jesus instituted the gift of the Sacraments knowing we would need His help. The grace we receive empowers us to love God with all our mind, heart and soul. In Psalm 91 we read, “You have made the Most High your habitation; there shall be no evil befall you.” People are searching for contentment in a world full of chaos. Please know that what occurs in our life is perfectly designed by an infinite, wise and all-loving God, even in the tough times, He will give us peace! Time is wasted when we do nothing that is of value to God. Time is wasted when we feel unloved because God began surrounding us with love from the moment of our conception. Search no more for worldly things to make you happy! God will provide everything you need!
The saints knew the love of God was with them in their pilgrim journey. “Jesus, help me to simplify my life by learning what You want me to be and becoming that person”( St. Therese of Lisieux).
Finally, remember that nothing is so evil that God cannot cause a good to come from it: “We know that all things work together for good for those who love God” (Romans 8:28). All saints affirm this truth! Amen!