A Reflection for the Wednesday of the Fourth Week of Lent

The first reading today from the prophet Isaiah offers both great comfort and great challenge to those in his time and to us in these times of sadness and injustice. Isaiah specifically speaks to those who have been suffering in exile in Babylon and are now able to return in joy to their land in Jerusalem. Their homeland will be restored, political prisoners freed, well-being regained and peace and happiness spread throughout the land. Some of the faithful feared that God had forsaken them, but through the steadfastness of Isaiah’s faith, Isaiah tells them that God will never forget as mothers do not forget their children. God is calling them to believe in God’s spirit of love and protection.

Today we immediately think of Ukraine where terror is being inflicted upon many and in Russia where protesting citizens are imprisoned. The Ukrainian people of many faiths are steadfast in their belief that by their faith and their actions, they will be protected by their God and by their fellow citizens.

In our country we experience new voting rights restrictions, the proliferation of gun violence, an exploding opioid epidemic and many more social inequities. Yet, we maintain through this turmoil our faith in God and the knowledge that God will protect all those who are afflicted and bring peace and renewal to this land.

And even closer to home, at STM, we may experience situations that also challenge our faith in the love and protection of God – issues like academics, relationships, health, uncertainty, employment… As a community of faith, prayer and action we can dedicate ourselves to the needs of others.

How do we persevere in our faith in God? How do we pray and truly believe that our words will make a difference in our lives and the lives of others? These are serious and difficult questions. I have been blessed by knowing individuals of amazing faith in times of turmoil: in the refugee clinic, in the hills of Appalachia, in the poverty of Nicaragua and in everyday life right here in New Haven. These individuals have faced tremendous hardships, injustice, pain, disappointment and loneliness—yet, they continue to lift their hearts in gratitude for their lives and with hope that their futures will be blessed as Isaiah has described. Each of these encounters has been a moment of grace and a reminder to continue believing in God, faithfully praying and giving ourselves to others. As John Kennedy once stated, “…asking [God’s] blessing and his help, but knowing that here on earth, God’s work must truly be our own.”