November 20, 2007

Letters to a Friend - #6

When we consider God and eternity, most of our problems are like clouds that one day cover the sky and the next day disappear. The more our eyes are set upon God and His Kingdom, the more our problems seem to fade from the horizon, enabling them to become exposed for what they really are – passing clouds.

However, in this world where everything is measured by time, our problems appear to multiply, and the intensity they bring restricts us from “putting out into the deep,” (Lk 5:4) and from seeing things as they really are – from God’s perspective. The command of Jesus to “not be anxious about our life” (Mt 6:25) can appear not only impossible, but impractical.

Your problems and worries are real; there is no denying that. But no one is exempt from difficulties, whether rich or poor, man or woman, sinner or saint, etc… However, you must not let them claim authority over you and allow them to control you. Once they do, you will become like a prisoner trapped in his cell without the ability to move about freely. You will become “paralyzed” – unable to love as freely and generously as God desires you to. Life will look more to you like a heavy burden than a precious gift. Your heart will become hardened, prohibiting you from growing in the love of God and becoming that child of God that He so earnestly desires.

Who honestly wants this kind of life?

The devil loves to see people living in fear and anxiety because this is when we act more like slaves than children of God. But Saint Paul reminds us that “Christ always leads us in triumph” (2 Cor 2:14). Whether you are experiencing sickness, trials, persecutions, inner turmoil, etc… - Christ is victorious. The victory and the power of the cross remind us that there is nothing outside of God’s power and no situation beyond his grasp. With this reality in mind and with the grace to allow it to sink into the depths of our heart, we can face our problems honestly and be freed from the apparent “power” they seem to have over us, knowing that in the light of eternity, they are most likely only passing clouds.

Br. Jeremiah Myriam Shryock, CFR

St. Leopold Friary, Yonkers, NY

___________________________________________