From the Millsboro Hermitage
From the newspapers, the TV and radio, and on many of the worlds blogs and social media, we are reminded of how low humanity can sink. Human beings stealing young women and placing them in horrific penal situations where their bodies and minds are raped. This occurring in the modern world. This when our various societies have hope to advance to a level when human life was not considered as something cheap, something than can be taken from families.
Surely the families of the more than 300 young women who have been stolen and hidden from the world in a state of abuse and fear must have thought the words of Jacob in the Old Testament. Recall that his son Joseph, the youngest of 12 sons, had been captured and dropped in a deep hole in the earth because his brothers did not like him; brothers who were envious because he had been favored more than themselves. "All these things are against me" (Gen 42:36).
And in our lives are there not moments when we find ourselves overwhelmed by events or people in our lives? Do we not utter the very words of Jacob or others that are very similar? These are days when our hope and even our faith are challenged. Why does this or that happen to me?
At this time you should recall words from the prophet Isaiah: 41:10. "Do not fear: I am with you;do not be anxious: I am your God.I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my victorious right hand."
Use these words as a reminder that at times we might feel like Jacob. However, we should also incorporate the words of Isaiah to assist us in strengthening our faith, our hope. Be strong enough to incorporate the virtue of trust. Seek to learn why God has allowed such moments to enter your life.
Perhaps the words of a very successful entrepreneur, Napoleon Hill, may also be helpful:
"O Divine Providence, I ask not for more riches but more wisdom with which to make wiser use of the riches you gave me at birth, ..." Shouldn't ours be the vocation to recognize the riches God has given each of us despite the losses we might encounter and offer our gratitude?
Oremus pro invicem!
Fr. Milt
Use these words as a reminder that at times we might feel like Jacob. However, we should also incorporate the words of Isaiah to assist us in strengthening our faith, our hope. Be strong enough to incorporate the virtue of trust. Seek to learn why God has allowed such moments to enter your life.
Perhaps the words of a very successful entrepreneur, Napoleon Hill, may also be helpful:
"O Divine Providence, I ask not for more riches but more wisdom with which to make wiser use of the riches you gave me at birth, ..." Shouldn't ours be the vocation to recognize the riches God has given each of us despite the losses we might encounter and offer our gratitude?
Oremus pro invicem!
Fr. Milt
