I speak frequently about the need for Holy Silence. Moments in which we listen for God to speak to us instead of filling the air or our minds with our own petitions and desire. It’s time set aside to let God teach us, comfort us, and help us to understand the mystery of the Incarnation. In this morning’s Gospel, we find people challenging Jesus to “tell us plainly.” Are you the Christ? The Messiah? The one for which we have been waiting. Jesus reminds them that He has already told them, and they don’t believe. He teaches them that this 12” drop must occur before we can honestly believe. It’s the most complex movement in our lives, one foot of distance from our heads where we know things to our hearts where we believe them.
That’s what the gift of faith is all about. It is the moment we begin to believe what we know. The time when we go from simply understanding and memorizing to claiming our faith. The fantastic instant when the responsorial psalm goes from being just something we repeat to something our heart sings out, and our voices quaver within the early hours of the morning. Its when our minds submit to God because our hearts belong to Him. Communion.
Sometimes we find ourselves bargaining with God if He would just do this or that. If He would show us a miracle, heal this person, cause that person to change, “let me win the lottery!” The Gospel speaks softly to our souls today, the voice of God tenderly reminding us that He is already working in the background to do what is best for every person. He is reminding us to trust in Who He is. Not telling us to stop praying, but to begin praying with the reality of who God is in mind. “Change this person” becomes “Do what is best for them.” “Let me win the lottery” becomes “Lord, I trust you, help me follow you in this situation.” If we let it, our prayer can become less about fears and worries and more about knowing His voice and following Him.
Dust may kick up, storms may brew, and the wind may blow all around us, but Jesus reminds us again today that “no one can take” us out of the Father’s hand.
Tuesday of the Fourth Week of Easter: 05/10/2022