“He is not God of the dead, but of the living, for to him all are alive.”
Luke 20:38
Life has a way of challenging our faith. At times it seems that God is asking us to carry burdens that are more than we can bear. We yearn to see things more clearly and understand God’s purpose for us and those we love. From time to time, I admit that includes me.
The first step in receiving our “God of the living” is to trust. As I wrote last week, we cannot know the inner workings of the universe. The mystery is just too vast. But we do know that in Christ we are destined for greatness as people of compassion, forgiveness, and love. We know that the Communion of Saints is our spiritual universe—holy men and women we admire for their courage and devotion, and loved ones who nurtured our faith by example.
The two great feast days that we celebrated just last week—All Saints Day and All Souls Day—are a reminder that God is inviting us to eternal life. That is our calling, no matter the circumstance of our lives. And remember, too, that the good works we do as missioners—and the joy we express knowing that eternal life is ours—will be models of faith for those who follow in our footsteps. Take comfort in the words of Isaiah 55:12: “Yes, in joy you shall go forth, in peace you shall be brought home.”
Friend, are you ready for sainthood? It just takes faith—and trust in God. I’ll be praying for you.
Prayer for 32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time
Surrounded by a cloud of witnesses
I ask Your help, O Lord,
that I be worthy of so great a grace,
for You created and called me
to life, to love, and to faith
in this world and in the world to come.
May the saints intercede for me,
they, who have run the race and won
that by their example and prayers
I might also face daily challenges
and bear daily crosses with faith
unshaken, hope unwavering, and
joy unending.
May Your holy angels surround and
guide me in all my ways,
guard me from attacks by my foes,
and lead me along the right path
till that day I can join the angels,
saints and holy souls in Your
heavenly house forever.
Amen.
This is Father Ray Finch saying thank you for taking your journey of faith with me today. Until next time, you are always in my prayers.
