May the Lord give you peace and health in the Holy Spirit.
It is 25th September 2021.
We reflect on Zechariah 2:5-9, 14-15 and the Gospel of Luke 9:43-45.
In her book, “Of Men and Mary,” by Christine Watkins confesses, “I believe that Mother Mary was truly there with me then, and she has been actively with me in every critical moment of my life. She is the hidden hand that brought me and my family to her Son and his Church, the tender arms that have carried me through my darkest moments. She is the loving mother I felt unashamed to approach when sorrow and guilt kept me from turning to her Son.” (pp.151).
Sufferings cannot suffocate us as long as we breathe faith.
When the tides of suffering rise at the shores of our life, the corrosion of courage is inevitable. We may not understand why we suffer at times, but we have faith to face and accept it.
The reading from the prophet Zechariah is given to the people of Israel as they returned from Babylonian captivity as the Lord promises to dwell among them. The assurance to Israel God gives is offered to each one of us is that “For I will be a wall of fire all around it, I will be the glory within it, and I will come and dwell in your midst.” (Zech.2:5,6).
As people and the disciples were admiring the miracles of Jesus, He announced His passion and death, the second time. The disciples were shocked and not ready to understand it.
Suffering is a mystery that is hidden yet it is unfolded in humility, and faith. No one wants to subscribe to suffering, yet we are all signed in not by force but by life and time. The fragrance of success and fame stays for a while, but the reality of pain and suffering confronts us whether we like it or not. When we fail to pay attention to the whispers of truth, we will find it hard to face the violent storms of suffering. Jesus brings back the attention of the disciples to focus on the Cross for the promised salvation through Him. Let us not be gloomy, and pessimistic about suffering rather be optimistic and open towards the salvation and strengthen Christ can offer through His One Sacrifice. “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” (Jn.1:14)
Mother Mary stands so tall in offering her motherly love and intercession to all who suffer. Just like Mary, our Beloved Mother let us have the docility, simplicity, trust in the Lord to face it all. May you have a day free of anxiety, fear, and worry. God bless you.