There are reasons for every word written in the Bible. Every book and letter have been arranged in the order of the canon for a specific reason; we call it the Word of God. The second reading, to my mind, is very, very interesting. In a few short verses St Paul addresses a huge amount. Reading it in the 'here and now' you could almost imaging St Paul talking to us, in our situation. So what does he say:
Nothing can come between us and the love of Christ
even if we troubled or worried
or being persecuted
or lacking food or clothing
being threatened or even attacked.
These are the trials through which we triumph
by the love of Him who loved us
Church and society are being buffeted by forces beyond our control. The state of economies and fear of the future make tomorrow a worrying place. There is almost a feeling of 'the worst is yet to come' , and who knows, that may very well be the case. And regardless of what tomorrow may bring, today has enough trouble of its own. The Church, for so many generations a source of refuge has become a place of disappointment and of hard and bitter memories. Even though the good is visible and apparent, a trust has been broken which does not allow many to seek refuge in her. We can ask what is left?
St Paul continues:
For I am certian of this:
neither death nor life,
no angel, no prience,
nothing that exists,
nothing still to come,
not any power,
or height
or depth
nor any created thing
can come between us and the Love of God
made visible in Christ Jesus our Lord.
He reminds us as he reminded the Romans, that in Jesus we have the promises of the Kingdom of Heave. In Jesus, the one who will not let us down, we have the hope of a brighter future. In a world that seems to be pulling itself apart these words give us great hope. No matter who has let us down, what institution or person, the love of God has been poured into our hearts by the Holy Spirit who gives us confidence to look to Christ, to follow him and keep going.
When our faith in God and man is tested the words of St Paul should boom like a clarion call:
"Nothing can come between us and the Love of God made visible in Christ Jesus our Lord."
****************************
Pope Benedict wrote to the young people of Ireland:
"I wish to offer you a particular word of encouragement. Your experience of the Church is very different from that of your parents and grandparents. The world has changed greatly since they were your age. Yet all people, in every generation, are called to travel the same path through life, whatever their circumstances may be. We are all scandalized by the sins and failures of some of the Church's members, particularly those who were chosen especially to guide and serve young people. But it is in the Church that you will find Jesus Christ, who is the same yesterday, today and for ever (cf. Heb 13:8). He loves you and he has offered himself on the cross for you. Seek a personal relationship with him within the communion of his Church, for he will never betray your trust! He alone can satisfy your deepest longings and give your lives their fullest meaning by directing them to the service of others. Keep your eyes fixed on Jesus and his goodness, and shelter the flame of faith in your heart. Together with your fellow Catholics in Ireland, I look to you to be faithful disciples of our Lord and to bring your much-needed enthusiasm and idealism to the rebuilding and renewal of our beloved Church."
No comments:
Post a Comment