By Zoe Cannon
Gratitude for the Gift of Faith
“For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, do not fear, I will help you” (Isaiah 41:13).
We all have days when we feel like the world is falling apart around us! Instead of sinking into the distractions of the world with information from our handy devices, just stop and tell God how you are feeling. Imagine hearing God say, “I will help you.”
In the Book of Exodus, we read about God speaking to Moses in a burning bush. The Israelites had been in bondage in Egypt for 40 years, and they needed encouragement. Moses wanted to know His name, so he would have an answer when the Israelites asked. The name God chose to introduce himself was, “I Am.”
The passage “I AM WHO I AM” from Exodus 3:14 was confusing to me as a young child. In my mind, the verse left more questions than answers about the complexity of who God is. This name above all names reminds us that God is always in control and knows what his children need. The name I Am also confirms the identity of the savior as the Son of God.
In the struggles of life, it can be easy to lose sight of the majesty and omnipotence of God. Remembering to call upon him for help will put everything into perspective. We should never ignore, or worse, accept any destruction of beauty created by God. The silence of believers contributes to a lost and immoral culture. We live in a society that disrespects life, marriage and family. The identity and gender of a male and a female created in the image of God are also being disparaged.
These ten words from the gospel of John tell us everything we need to know. “I am the way and the truth and the life” (John 14:6). We are blessed to be Catholic! The grace from the sacraments is a gift. Jesus instituted the priesthood because he knew we would need bread from heaven, forgiveness of sins and truth in our life.
Sacramental renewal comes alive in the spring: First Communion, priestly and diaconate ordinations, weddings, baptisms and the Sacrament of Confirmation. The grace from each sacrament strengthens and supports the other. God’s plan for his church is perfect!
I drove to St. John the Baptist Church in Vincennes for the First Communion Mass of my twin great-nephews and my great-niece. The view from my seat in the middle of the church was breathtaking. I could see row after row of children with their parents and family. They were dressed beautifully for the experience of receiving Jesus for the very first time.
The faithful waiting in anticipation were facing the sanctuary with the altar, tabernacle, ambo, baptistery, the lit paschal candle and beautiful flowers. And seated with great purpose were priests, deacons, altar servers, musicians, cantors and lectors. Everything about this scene seemed magical. It was the mystery of our faith in action, and yet it was real because you could feel the presence of God. I prayed in thanksgiving as I remembered my own First Communion. I value the opportunity and memories of preparing our four children and now our grandchildren to receive Jesus in the Eucharist. God bless the catechists and teachers who work all year to prepare for this very special day.
The family of God is very much alive. In the midst of this chaotic world, God takes your hand and says; do not fear I will help you. Trust me and share the good news! Amen!