Uncertainty

Uncertainty

In the week following the Ascension and anticipating Pentecost, we hear some famous last words from Saint Paul and from Christ.  As they complete their work, they have some poignant thoughts to share.  

As St Paul prepares to head to Jerusalem, he says that he is unsure what will happen to him.  Most likely, he will not be found favorable among the people, and will have to endure trials and persecution in Jerusalem.  As St Paul departs to Jerusalem, Paul exhorts pastors and religious leaders to be diligent in their spiritual work.  His ultimate goal is to proclaim the Gospel in Rome, because at this hub, he could reach out so many more people.  

Likewise, The Lord declares that he has finished the work given to him by his heavenly Father and now prays for his disciples as he prepares for the Ascension.  

Both St Paul and Christ look to the future with calm faith and both confess from their heart that they have done their very best.

Paul tells the elders plainly: “You know how I lived among you from the first day I came here, how I served the Lord with humility through the sorrows and trials that came my way.” And Jesus affirms the basic fidelity of his friends: “Those whom you gave me were yours; they have kept your word. I have made your name known to them.” 

Paul faces a future of uncertainty, knowing that imprisonment probably awaits him at Jerusalem. 

Jesus, for his part, prays for his disciples, as they face an uncertain future in the apostolate. “It is for these that I pray … for they are in the world as I come to you.” Jesus did not predict exactly what lies ahead; he would only pray that his followers remain faithful to his person and to his teaching.

Their situation is no different from what we may be facing today.  The uncertain factor is relatively common, because it is about discerning what God calls us to do.  

We too, like St Paul and Christ must face the uncertain future with faith in God, remain calm by mastering our emotions, and trust in God's providence.  For in the fullness of time, we await the return of the King, and he will take us home.

Uncertainty

In the week following the Feast of Ascension of The Lord, we hear some famous last words from Saint Paul and from Christ.

Both are communicating to listeners as they complete their work and ministry.  

As St Paul prepares to head to Jerusalem, he says that he is unsure as to what will happen to him.  Most likely, he will not be found favorable among the people, and will have to endure trials and persecution.

It is his hope that he will go to Rome, because if he was able to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ in Rome, he could reach so many people.  

Likewise, The LordJesus declares that he has finished the work given to him by his heavenly Father and now prays: “Now, Father, give me glory at your side.” 

As he departs, Paul exhorts pastors and religious leaders to be diligent in their spiritual work.  On the other hand, Christ prays for his followers as he prepares for the Ascension.  

Both St Paul and Christ look to the future with calm faith and both confess from their heart that they have done their very best.

 Paul tells the elders plainly: “You know how I lived among you from the first day I came here, how I served the Lord with humility through the sorrows and trials that came my way.” And Jesus affirms the basic fidelity of his friends: “Those whom you gave me were yours; they have kept your word. I have made your name known to them.” 

Paul faces a future of uncertainty, knowing that imprisonment probably awaits him at Jerusalem. 

Jesus, for his part, prays for his disciples, as they face an uncertain future in the apostolate. “It is for these that I pray … for they are in the world as I come to you.” Jesus did not predict exactly what lies ahead; he would only pray that his followers remain faithful to his person and to his teaching.

Their situation was no different from that facing priests, religious and committed laity today. We too should face the uncertain future with faith, calmness and trust in God's providence.  For at the fullness of time, we await the redemption, and God will take us to Himself.

Ascension

Ascension

Happy Feast of Ascension!  In addition to the recalling of the mystery of Christ's sacrificial death and glorious resurrection on Easter Sunday, we recall the mystery of Christ Ascension to Heaven, sittith at right hand of the Heavenly Father, and then anticipating the gift of Christ's spirit, the Holy Spirit, the Third Person of the Blessed Trinity who descends upon the Apostles on the feast of Pentecost. 

I can imagine the difficulty of the Apostles while saying their farewell to Christ, their Master and Teacher, and worrying about the status of their future.  But his reassurance gave them hope and consolation, knowing that he will be with His Church always through the Holy Spirit, and his promised return gives them strength and courage to face trials while celebrating the Eucharist, and proclaiming the mystery of Christ's Incarnation, Passion, Death, Resurrection and Ascension to Heaven, and bringing many people into Christ's told through the Sacrament of Baptism.  

What recently dawned on me, if I may share with you, is the description "silent suffering".  This would be unnatural if we observe in our life, countless times when we are suffering or grieving, it is necessary to communicate it with others.  Isn't that the case when we hear infants outburst because they are in need of their parents, or when someone who is in so much pain, that they need to communicate that to others, sometimes in a healthy way through prayer, spiritual direction, counsel or small faith groups.  But sometimes in a rather unhealthy way, in a violent manner, with the intention to cause harm and pain, just so that others could emphatize.  Observing these natural instances makes me wonder whether silent suffering is indeed possible, or is it just for those who have a better glimpse of heaven, or a better understanding of the Holy Cross, so much that they could boldly say, "Now I do experience the value and redemption of Christ's Holy Cross, which I could never understand before, but now I see its significance."  Or they could say "Now I know and can relate to the Blessed Mother who stood at the foot of the Cross, and Michelangelo's pieta sculpture strikes a chord in my soul."  

But still I wonder if "silent suffering" is valuable today as it was back then, and whether people could still unite their sufferings to Christ.  Is "silent suffering" dead and have been buried in our culture today, or are we just anticipating its resurrection and return.  We may not know soon, but I await the day in heaven when the gift of "silent suffering" of saintly individuals are exposed for all to see for the glory of God and the redemption of humankind.  Many blessings.