“We have come to believe and are convinced that you are the Holy One of God.” John 6:69
The apostles started to have doubts. Could they accept the things Jesus was saying? Today’s Gospel is a good starting point for our weekly meditation. After all, we have doubts, too… Isn’t the “formula for success” too hard at times? Maybe even a little unreasonable?
In truth, a life of faithfulness isn’t always easy. In fact, it can even be painful. Forgiving someone who has hurt us is hard. So is being generous when we feel needy ourselves. And is it really true that the more we give, the more we get? Is God actually listening to our prayers?
Life is a journey with its own rhythms. Just like the apostles, we don’t always see the straight line to our goal when there are so many challenges. But doubt does not damage faith. What damages faith is taking the path that’s easier and less complicated. And that’s just what some of the disciples did.
I am reminded of the saints who had doubts and even great crises of faith. Saint John of the Cross wrote poignantly about his “dark night of the soul.” And in more modern times, Mother Teresa revealed a deep despair in letters to her spiritual advisor.
But she never wavered in her dedication to serving the Gospel and the destitute poor. Today we know her as Saint Teresa of Calcutta.
Friend, when Jesus asked the remaining twelve apostles if they, too, would leave him, it was Peter who spoke up. He said they believed that Jesus spoke the words of eternal life. “We have come to believe, and are convinced, that you are the Holy One of God.” May these words sustain you on your journey.
Sincerely yours in Christ,
Father Raymond J. Finch, M.M.
Prayer for 4th Sunday
O Lord, grant me Your light
when darkness hides the path.
Give me Your peace
when storm clouds break.
Show me the way through
when I cannot go around.
And strengthen my faith
when doubts threaten
to break my resolve.
Let me listen for Your voice
in the cry of the poor
and hear Your word
amidst the noise of this world.
And when sadness and despair
overshadow my plans
let faith rise like the morning sun
to be my guard and guide.
O most merciful Jesus
when life’s worries weigh me down
and burdens become more
than I can bear grant me
the grace to reach out
for help and healing from those
You send me, for I believe
not all saints have halos
nor every angel, wings.
Amen.
Prayer by, Father Joseph Veneroso M.M.
