By ZOE CANNON
GRATITUDE FOR THE GIFT OF FAITH
“Here I am Lord, I have come to do your will” (Hebrews 10:9).
When I read these words, I have a reassuring visual of myself in conversation with God. The promise I make to Him requires commitment and a willingness to make sacrifices. When you understand there is a difference between absolute truth and relativism, you are obligated to speak truth. A missed opportunity to share truth could make you culpable for offending God. Sharing truth with those you love is true love! Every person created in the image of God is part of His plan, when one soul is lost – the purpose is gone.
We are living in times of real concern. Even before the pandemic entered our world, the civility, accountability and honest communication lost their value in society. Our American history is being erased, and religious freedom is under attack. The darkness presented by this reality no longer hides from the light of day. How does this violation exist in God’s creation? There are many answers to this question, but the first one is told in the creation story. Satan hates God! No one wants to talk about sin, the most destructive three-letter word in our society. The root cause of every offense to God is pride. Don’t be too proud to soldier for Christ.
Our only hope for humanity is the miracle of a rekindled heart that acts with the direction of the Holy Spirit, and lives in God’s laws and judgments. The power we need to change hearts does not come from self. God alone gives us a new heart, making it possible to walk in His ways. “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13).
I struggle like everyone else. I do not always do the right thing or have all the answers, but I do know there is goodness all around me. We need to be intentional in seeking the truth that will set us free from the grip of fear and negativity. With the gift of free will, we discover that for every weakness and vice, there is a strengthening virtue to help us remain close to God.
I am writing this on the Feast of Fatima, Oct. 13. Our Blessed Mother warned us about days like these. She told us to pray for the conversion of souls and peace in the world. Her gift in the power of the daily rosary reminds us that God will never abandon us. The Church and each Sacrament instituted by Christ provides the grace we need to be strong and faithful.
Our country is divided in many ways, which has been the norm since it was founded in 1776. And from the beginning of our salvation history, we have stories of unrest, persecution and division. Did the victory of the cross teach us nothing about life and salvation? When there is separation in the leadership of our spiritual home, we have no peace. I can only imagine what this unrest is doing to those who are ordained in the Person of Christ. It must be a challenge to answer all the questions coming from the divided faithful. We know the grace of God gives us strength for the journey, so thank your priest for the Sacraments; encourage them; pray for them!
"Lord, to whom shall we go? You have words of eternal life” (John 6:68). Be charitable and love will prevail! Amen!