If you are like me, the lesson from Luke’s Gospel for this Sunday is a bitter sweet pill to swallow. Luke reminds us of Jesus’ admonishment when faced with terrible people around us, “Jesus said to his disciples: ‘To you who hear I say, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.’”
For me, and perhaps you, 2025 is certainly off to a seemingly overwhelming tough, perhaps wicked, start. Life is always a balance of chaos and order, but for now, “organized chaos” seems to rule the day—locally, nationally, and globally. How do we find joy amid darkness? How do we hold in tension our faith that demands us to be better than we want to be, while others harm so many people without even a second thought? How do we live in such chaos and uncertainty about tomorrow and still find balance; hope?
Yet, even in uncertainty, I am reminded that joy is present if I would only slow down and take notice. I’ve heard too many stories of loss, from the hands that I have held of those dying, and as I have witnessed countless heroic efforts by first responders who selflessly serve those in need and lately, those in public service who have resigned in protest rather than become complicit in what can only be called a regime. I have learned to “Look for the Helpers”, as Fred Rogers would say!
This is the heart of faith—finding joy amid darkness and uncertainty and trusting that God is present in all things. Fear of the unknown is real, but faith allows us to move forward, even when we are uncomfortable. This is why we have chosen to take on this fear head-on with our Lenten Theme of “Everything [in] Between” Meeting God in the midst of extremes. Together, we will find the power of joy again. Together, we will find a way to hold on to the good and fight against the bad. Together, we will know the light again, but – in the meantime – we must allow God to show us the way forward; to learn what God wants us to learn.
Moreover, I was pleased to permit the acquisition of another art piece from Ukraine! To further our support of the Ukrainian people and to bear witness to our belief that war will end, and good people will triumph, soon Saint Miriam will welcome Kateryna Haneychuk’s latest pieces entitled, “Through Christ, With Christ, and in Christ.” I pray it will lead us into the light to a place where we can all joyfully bless those who curse us.
Thank you for being such a role model for the world by shedding light and welcome and peace as you bring faith to our world every day.
Monsignor +Jim