I asked the Holy Spirit for guidance about this week’s reflection, and it didn’t take long for me to be led to what has been so heavy on my mind and in my heart. It is likely something we all share, especially recently. We are filled with worry and sadness over current international and national events. The devastating and deadly wars; the horribly destructive hurricanes, storms, and fires. They are overwhelming. These events are out of our control and leave us feeling helpless, hopeless, and so very sad at the incredible loss.
What do we do? I don’t have that answer, but I do hear a dear friend’s voice ask, “Did you tell God? Did you tell God how much you are hurting? Did you tell God how sad you are? Did you tell God you don’t know what to do or how to help?” I know that God already knows how I feel, but I gave this conversation in faith a try. It was helpful in beginning a prayer that I didn’t really know how to start or how to articulate. Despite the many things I can’t do about these situations, I was reminded that I can love. Love, this gift from God and of God, is what I have to offer our brothers and sisters who are suffering. And through this love, I will pray for them. I will ask God to carry that love to them, to be with them, to heal them, and to provide for them. I deeply want them to know that someone—lots of ‘someones’—care for them.
Though I pray the Lord will show me when there is something more that I can do, I feel my task right now is to be strong in faith. The feelings of helplessness and hopelessness are very real, but God IS there. In the section ‘In the spirit of seeking God in all things’ (as seen on Xavier University’s website https://www.xavier.edu/jesuitresource/online-resources/prayer-index/ignatian-prayers), I found comfort in these thoughts:
-recognize the presence and power of God in our midst
-be attentive and responsive to who God is calling and empowering us to be and to do
We cannot comprehend the Lord’s limitless love, mercy, and compassion, so we give the needs of those who are suffering to Him. In our prayer, may we spiritually reach our arms to embrace our brothers and sisters in love and faith.
Journeying to Grace 