A Year Ago

Imagine for a few moments what your life was like approximately one year ago. Whatever you imagine, never would you have believed that a year later you, along with others, would be where we are today.

The world is a different place altogether. We can obviously identify any number of personal and social issues, but it is, of course, this global health crisis which has paralyzed us in any number of ways. The physical, emotional, social, economic, and yes, spiritual challenges have placed us into a life position in which we find ourselves unable to free ourselves and enjoy life. Over time, a price tag is exacted. For some, this price tag is rather significant. For other, it is enormous. This has resulted in a life stance which is marked by considerable anxiety and depression. In fact, some even arrive at the point of despair. Yet, I believe we have reason to hope and, ultimately, to regain a sense of purpose and of meaning. What then can we take away from all of this?

First, we come to realize we cannot take our eyes off of the Lord. In Matthew’s Gospel, we recently read and hear of the story of Jesus calming the storm. Here we view the early apostles and disciples out on a boat when a destructive storm comes their way. Out of fear, they seek reassurance from Jesus. Receiving this reassurance, they soon take their eyes off of Jesus. In particular, it is Peter who takes his eyes off of Jesus and begins to sink while walking on the water. When did Peter begin to sink? Peter began to sink when he took his eyes off of the Lord. Jesus reaches out and saves him. Jesus inquires why Peter was so afraid and, more important, why he possessed such little faith. In the midst of these many storms and, especially, this pandemic, we trust it is the Lord who will save us and, thus, we keep our eyes fixed on Jesus.

I believe one important way this is brought about is the way we extend care to and for one another. We make visible God’s care and love when we reach out to the many who are being swallowed up by the many difficulties and struggles which are so prominent today. We must never underestimate the impact we may have on another, for it is God who works in and through us to bring forth a new hope and a new life. We must learn to assert ourselves in response to the needs of our brothers and our sisters. It is the way in which we receive the insight necessary to maximize our talents, time, and treasure with the intention of defeating the alienation and the isolation of those around us. We cannot wait until be are ready. The time is now.

When will we ever return to the life we lived a year ago? Maybe it does not really matter. Maybe it is the opportunity before us in which God’s Kingdom will be realized. As Jesus extends a hand to us, may we do the same to the many who hurt and who are in pain and so rejoice in the God who saves.

Rev. Michael McDermott

St. Patrick’s Catholic Church