Whether we are feeling blessed or abandoned, we still abide in God
by Sister Lynne Marie Simonich
"The Lord's way is not fair!" (Ez. 18:25) Have you ever said or thought this when:
- good people suffer?
- you have to work so hard and get paid so little?
- a spouse, child, friend dies?
- someone you know has a terminal illness?
Why, why, why?
There is a flip side to the “why” we ask in life.
- Why am I so blessed?
- Why do the flowers bloom so beautifully?
- Why do I have a loving family and friends?
- Why does the setting sun fill the sky with color?
We are reminded that there are many ups and downs in life and through them all God is with us. Our responsorial psalm says God’s compassion and love “are from of old”. We are in God’s embrace every day and that will be our strength when the “why” in life is difficult to understand.
"Do nothing out of selfishness or out of vainglory; rather, humbly regard others as more important than yourselves, each looking out not for his own interests,
but for those of others." [Phil. 2: 3-4) Sunday's Second Reading
While watching this morning's world news, the TV screen held its attention on a most stunning photo of former President Jimmy Carter, turning 99, and his aging wife, First Lady Rosalyn. The photo was so stunning to me because they were holding up their champagne glasses ready to make a toast.
In the first moment I saw this, I "saw" they were each holding up the chalice of the Blood of Christ. I "saw" their expression of giving up and giving over their lives to ease the suffering of others, and for the healing and fullness of Life for all others, especially those neglected by society.
Maybe my attendance at a JOSHUA (Social Justice) training the day before had something to do with how I "saw" this poignant photo. Maybe it was because of the most innocent of all, today's children, now facing yet another horrendous evil they have no blame or responsibility in - their senseless, immoral deaths from fentanyl poisoning.
Whatever the reason, God allowed me to "see" the body and blood of Christ poured out through the lives of this incredible humanitarian life-serving couple.
In Jimmy and Rosalyn Carter I "saw" a shared mutual partnership of man and woman, offering their lives in the example of what Jesus showed us, and what St. Paul is describing in Sunday's Second Reading.
"Deo Gratias." "Thanks be to God."
Thank you, Sister Lynn Marie.