Gilbert Keith Chesterton (1874-1936), an English Christian writer, was asked 100 years ago in 1910 by the London Times to write an editorial answering the question, “What’s wrong with the world today?” He humbly and simply responded, “I am.” Chesterton refused to blame any institution or government, nor any system or school, nor any church or family upbringing for the world’s travails and woes. Chesterton clearly knew that the sinful heart is at the root of all the "disorders" and "chaos" in one’s life. Perhaps this is a good lesson for our times - to learn in a culture that is often times looking "outside" for the answers rather than "inside" oneself.
"Disordered living" is certainly contrary to God’s plan and God’s will: addictive behaviors, lustful passions, unruly obsessions, impetuous compulsions, etc. These undermine our calling as Christians to responsible and integral living, wherein peace and joy of the Christian life abound.
Many of the prophets speak of the "Day of the Lord." Their stark message was meant as a warning to sinners and as an encouragement to the just. For those who persist in evil doing, the "Day of the Lord" will be a "Day of Judgment." But for those who are upright and just, it will be a "Day of Salvation!"
The prophets speak of a cataclysmic purgation where nothing will be left in the wake of the vaporizing heat of God’s judgment. Advent is a time to wait and be awake in vigilant watchfulness of that coming day. We must contribute our fair share by being faithful to the work that Christ has entrusted to us. Our work should attach us to God, not cause alienation from the Lord. Each Christian should strive to correspond to this great calling as we prepare for the coming of the Lord by sanctifying our work. We should also help others to think about their eternal destiny. We must make the best of our circumstances, time, resources, and gifts for the greater honor and glory of God.
Recently I visited a funeral home. I spoke with a man there who was aglow as he spoke about his father-in-law. He commented that he was a barber for over 60 years and worked until his death at the age of 87. He treasured all the relationships and stories through the years. He loved sharing his humble gifts with others. He took pride in making them feel like a million dollars!
Jesus didn’t hold back in telling his followers that things at times would be difficult. When he spoke about the world, He was quite realistic. The apocalyptic literature of the eschaton "end times" speaks of wars, and revolutions, insurrections, earthquakes, plagues, famines, natural disasters, persecutions, imprisonments, betrayals, hatreds, and killings, which would come to pass. Faith flourishes and thrives in adversity. When the "chips are down," we must stay the course through the tough times. Perseverance, grace, tenacity, reverence, responsibility are certainly deserving of our applause.
"Perseverance" is an essential quality that must shape our character to prepare the soul to deal with the trials and tribulations that inevitably come into every life. We must stay the course in believing that the Lord is near! In spite of the calamities, upheavals and tribulations in the world we must take responsibility for our own choices which effect others either positively or negatively.
Jesus not only "forewarns" us, but "fore-arms" us in saying that we will need God’s wisdom so as not to be deceived! We need God’s courage so as not to be fearful or afraid! We need God’s staying power and endurance so as not to give up or quit! He will see to it that we will triumph in the end, provided that we remain faithful, loyal and committed to extending His Kingdom.
God gives us the daily strength to hold our ground and His grace sustains us in the belief that good will triumph over evil. Even in the midst of turmoil and trials in one’s life, joy can be ours because we know that God is with us. He helps us to cope with the challenges and struggles of our lives. God is still in charge and therefore joy will overcome grief, life will conquer death, and the chains of sin will be shattered.
Recently a long-time neighbor from my hometown parish of SS Simon and Jude passed away at age 86 with a brain aneurysm. He sang in the choir for over 50 years. (That’s a miracle in the Catholic Church!) It was wonderful to see familiar faces and share updates with many at his funeral. An 83 year old man and his 78 year old wife told me they pray the Rosary everyday after Mass and remember the vocations from that parish and all the priests who have served there. It was nice to hear I was remembered in their daily prayers and I thanked them - as prayer is the staying power of faith.
Perhaps from the beginning of time, the question has been asked, “What’s wrong with the world?” Chesterton makes us look within our own lives and our own stories to answer it truthfully, humbly, and honestly. Bishop David Zubik often notes that skepticism, criticism, and negativity cipher faith out of the world and our hearts. Only we can answer this question with our Christian faith, action and lifestyle.
Advent calls us to be prepared to embrace what comes with a blessed assurance that God’s grace is always available to help us. God is faithful and true to all His promises every step of the way. It is in times of darkness that light is most needed. It is in times of falsehood that truth is most needed. It is in times of hatred that love is most needed. It is in times of war that peace is most needed. As we observe and celebrate these weeks of Advent let us keep vigilant. May faith, hope, and love grow in our hearts and lives these special days
"Disordered living" is certainly contrary to God’s plan and God’s will: addictive behaviors, lustful passions, unruly obsessions, impetuous compulsions, etc. These undermine our calling as Christians to responsible and integral living, wherein peace and joy of the Christian life abound.
Many of the prophets speak of the "Day of the Lord." Their stark message was meant as a warning to sinners and as an encouragement to the just. For those who persist in evil doing, the "Day of the Lord" will be a "Day of Judgment." But for those who are upright and just, it will be a "Day of Salvation!"
The prophets speak of a cataclysmic purgation where nothing will be left in the wake of the vaporizing heat of God’s judgment. Advent is a time to wait and be awake in vigilant watchfulness of that coming day. We must contribute our fair share by being faithful to the work that Christ has entrusted to us. Our work should attach us to God, not cause alienation from the Lord. Each Christian should strive to correspond to this great calling as we prepare for the coming of the Lord by sanctifying our work. We should also help others to think about their eternal destiny. We must make the best of our circumstances, time, resources, and gifts for the greater honor and glory of God.
Recently I visited a funeral home. I spoke with a man there who was aglow as he spoke about his father-in-law. He commented that he was a barber for over 60 years and worked until his death at the age of 87. He treasured all the relationships and stories through the years. He loved sharing his humble gifts with others. He took pride in making them feel like a million dollars!
Jesus didn’t hold back in telling his followers that things at times would be difficult. When he spoke about the world, He was quite realistic. The apocalyptic literature of the eschaton "end times" speaks of wars, and revolutions, insurrections, earthquakes, plagues, famines, natural disasters, persecutions, imprisonments, betrayals, hatreds, and killings, which would come to pass. Faith flourishes and thrives in adversity. When the "chips are down," we must stay the course through the tough times. Perseverance, grace, tenacity, reverence, responsibility are certainly deserving of our applause.
"Perseverance" is an essential quality that must shape our character to prepare the soul to deal with the trials and tribulations that inevitably come into every life. We must stay the course in believing that the Lord is near! In spite of the calamities, upheavals and tribulations in the world we must take responsibility for our own choices which effect others either positively or negatively.
Jesus not only "forewarns" us, but "fore-arms" us in saying that we will need God’s wisdom so as not to be deceived! We need God’s courage so as not to be fearful or afraid! We need God’s staying power and endurance so as not to give up or quit! He will see to it that we will triumph in the end, provided that we remain faithful, loyal and committed to extending His Kingdom.
God gives us the daily strength to hold our ground and His grace sustains us in the belief that good will triumph over evil. Even in the midst of turmoil and trials in one’s life, joy can be ours because we know that God is with us. He helps us to cope with the challenges and struggles of our lives. God is still in charge and therefore joy will overcome grief, life will conquer death, and the chains of sin will be shattered.
Recently a long-time neighbor from my hometown parish of SS Simon and Jude passed away at age 86 with a brain aneurysm. He sang in the choir for over 50 years. (That’s a miracle in the Catholic Church!) It was wonderful to see familiar faces and share updates with many at his funeral. An 83 year old man and his 78 year old wife told me they pray the Rosary everyday after Mass and remember the vocations from that parish and all the priests who have served there. It was nice to hear I was remembered in their daily prayers and I thanked them - as prayer is the staying power of faith.
Perhaps from the beginning of time, the question has been asked, “What’s wrong with the world?” Chesterton makes us look within our own lives and our own stories to answer it truthfully, humbly, and honestly. Bishop David Zubik often notes that skepticism, criticism, and negativity cipher faith out of the world and our hearts. Only we can answer this question with our Christian faith, action and lifestyle.
Advent calls us to be prepared to embrace what comes with a blessed assurance that God’s grace is always available to help us. God is faithful and true to all His promises every step of the way. It is in times of darkness that light is most needed. It is in times of falsehood that truth is most needed. It is in times of hatred that love is most needed. It is in times of war that peace is most needed. As we observe and celebrate these weeks of Advent let us keep vigilant. May faith, hope, and love grow in our hearts and lives these special days
