Looking at the “signs of the times” these days, one might conclude that they are times of great disillusionment, doubt, and frustration for many in our country and in our world. Hope seems to have fled the lives of a many around us. In such times, faith takes on a special significance. Our readings from scripture this Sunday point us in the direction of faith—in times such as these.
A dear Jesuit friend and companion of mine, John Kavanaugh, S.J., once had the opportunity to be with Mother Teresa of Calcutta. He asked her to pray for him—that he might have clarity. She said no. She said he should instead pray for trust.
Sometimes our deepest desires and our deepest frustrations or disappointments can reveal to us the place where we most need to trust. They reveal a vision, a longing for what we believe God wants for us, and for all—especially for those suffering the most.
Jesus, in the world of his day, seemed unable to change any of the “big issues” that we might have expected him to address. He put his trust in God, prayed as a “beloved son,” did not let disillusionment defeat him. Amid the prospect of impending destruction and death he was transfigured and glorified, that we might know that faith and love—and hope—are the pathway to the fullness of life we yearn for.
The Letter to the Hebrews refers to being surrounded by a cloud of witnesses, and we can be grateful to be surrounded by that cloud on our journey!
Len Kraus, S.J.
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