BE ALWAYS READY

 

 

 

Always be ready to give an explanation to anyone who asks you for a reason for your hope...

1 Peter 3:15

 

Fr Lionel and Fr Gerard both focused on this verse from the 2nd reading this Sunday.

 

The Lord calls us to be accountable for our actions, and to become a beacon of hope for others.  

 

Fr Lionel posed the question:  How do remain hopeful at this time of massive COVID-19 affliction confronting the whole world?  So many are living in anguish and fear - losing livelihood, domestic violence, suicidal thoughts, health issues….

 

Even for us Christians believing and knowing that there is a world beyond this world, the reality is that we are still in this world, facing the uncertainties of tomorrow - having to put food on the table, taking care of the elderly and the sick, weakening mental strength, worrying about our jobs and our families….We are dealing with the virus which is crouching at our door waiting to devour us, an enemy we cant see.  

 

But we have hope because not only do we have a God who is with us, who promises to walk with us, to strengthen us, and never to abandon us; we are above all, made in the image and likeness of God. Our humanity and our identity as a child of God is something that cannot be taken away from us.  

 

Rom 8:26-27 - It is the Holy Spirit who helps us in our weakness, He searches our hearts and intercedes for us in accordance to the will of God.  God promises that His Spirit will accompany us and not leave us orphans.

 

Fr Gerard cited the example of St Damien of Molokai - deriving strength from prayer and devotion.  St Damien wrote,  "It is at the foot of the altar that we find the strength we need in our isolation.”  His courage and resilience, and his continuing working in joy despite eventually contracting leprosy, serves to strengthen and inspire others in his lifetime and beyond.  He lived out Christian hope.  

 

And so we remain hopeful, and we remain prayerful.  Prayer is faith in action.  When prayer becomes part of our life, aided and guided by the Holy Spirit, we can truly hope.  The Advocate is given to us to continue the mission of Christ, bringing His hope, love and joy to all around us.

 

May we be always ready to proclaim Christ's kerygma, in all circumstances.