Readings: Jeremiah 14:17-22; Psalm 79; Matthew 13:36-43
No doubt about it: these are troubled times. Just read the newspaper, listen to the TV news. COVID-19 and racial injustices, yes, even in our own country, take up most of the news time. No wonder many are overwhelmed by the problems we face in the world today. And then, in our own personal lives: are my children going to be able to go back to school in Sept.? Will I lose my job if the economy continues to “go south”? Times of disruption and violence are not new. Our history is full of examples of catastrophes and chaos. Take a look at the prophet Jeremiah in today’s first reading: “Why have you struck us down so that there is no healing for us? We look for peace but, but find no good.”
It is nothing new that when trouble surrounds us, we are often tempted to think that God is punishing us. When we don’t get the peace and healing, we ask for, we often question God. Instead, the readings today speak to me of faithfulness and of patience, not despair. Our faith calls us to continually look to the Lord for the peace and healing we need. It will come.
Even when we are weighed down under the weight of COVID19 and racial injustices, the readings today remind me that we are God’s people and He will deliver us. True, in times such as these, our faith is being tested and we can easily become overwhelmed. We need to become more vigilant in expressing gratitude, our thankfulness, and we need to be sure we help others to do the same. It seems to me that besides prayer for deliverance, one of the best things I can do is share with others my confidence that God has and will continue to send peace and healing to the earth, in His time.
Sometimes just a simple word of comfort, a word of reassurance,” is just what the doctor ordered for people who are given to despair. If we can remember who we are and whose we are, we might not be so overwhelmed by the weeds in our lives. Read the Gospel for today: “the good seed are the children of the kingdom.” God will take care of the weeds. That frees us to nurture the seeds, the people He placed in our lives. This focus on gratitude helps us get our priorities straight by refocusing on actions that bring peace and healing to those around us. After all, we are God’s people! Blessings.
Fr. Brian