June 17, 2020 Trust in God and Keep On Keeping On - Father Michael's Words to Live By
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely,* and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us.” (Hebrews 12:1)
Have you ever heard this phrase: “If it weren’t for ‘bad luck’ – I’d have no luck at all” or “My life is nothing but problems, problems, problems.” This reminds me of the time when Linus and Charley Brown are walking along and chatting. Linus says, “I don’t like to face problems head on. I think the best way to solve problems is to avoid them. In fact, this is a distinct philosophy of mine. No problem is so big or so complicated that it can’t be run away from!”
Well, we all know that none of us are exempt from problems. There is no insulated, isolated place we can escape our problems. So how will we overcome problems, crises, and circumstances that have the potential to stunt our spiritual growth? How will we persevere when life is tough?” The answer: Trust in God and we keep on keeping on!
Fr. Alred D’Souza wrote: "For a long time, it had seemed to me that life was about to begin -- real life. But there was always some obstacle in the way, something to be got through first, some unfinished business, time still to be served, and a debt to be paid. Then life would begin. At last it dawned on me that these obstacles were my life."
The reality of life is simply that life always brings problems. We simply are not exempt from problems. And so, it helps to shift our perspective. We can try and avoid the problems. We can feel victimized by what is happening; or instead, we can consciously work with the challenge of the moment to learn more about ourselves and the world. When we make this shift in attitude, we discover ourselves to be strong and powerful.
Peace,
Fr. Michael+