No matter the trials, the Lord is near

November 18, 2007 -- 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time

By Bishop Robert Morneau

	Bishop Robert Morneau
	Questions for reflection: 1. What is your level of perseverance? 2. Where do you find "joy" in today's readings? 3. What is your response to persecution?

Perseverance is a noble quality. We tend to admire people who continue to do something in the face of obstacles and difficulties. They don't give up; they are not quitters. Such graced tenacity deserves our applause.

Albert Schweitzer worked in the heart of Africa for over 50 years. Pope John Paul II, though his health was failing, continued to travel around the world with the message of the Gospel. Mother Teresa of Calcutta, despite the dark night of the soul, reached out to the poorest of the poor with love and compassion. Jesus comments on such perseverance - it "will secure your lives."

Our reading from the book of Malachi foretells of a future filled with fire, a destructive blaze that will consume all that is in its path. But for those who respect and fear God's name, what awaits them is justice and light. They have nothing to fear. They have persevered in doing good and will not end up like evildoers and the arrogant whose days are numbered.

St. Paul's advice to the faith community of Thessalonica is one of spiritual tenacity. They must emulate St. Paul's work ethic and virtuous conduct. Disordered living is contrary to God's plan. St. Paul is calling the community to responsible, integral living. Only in this is the peace and joy of Christian life.

Perseverance! Tenacity! Reverence! Responsibility! These are qualities that prepare the soul to deal with the trials and tribulations that will surely come. Be the event one of illness or failure, of rejection or war, of violence or doubt, the call is one of staying the course and believing that the Lord is near. We are not to be seduced by adorned temples or any other created object that appeals to our senses. Rather, we must be prepared to embrace whatever comes with an assurance that God's grace is available to help us. God's name is one of fidelity. God is true to his promise of being with us every step of the way.

The readings for these last Sundays of the church's year can create a mood of heaviness, even depression. To hear about the approach of blazing fire or violent persecution or disorderly living, pulls the soul down. Yet our responsorial psalm creates an entirely different disposition. In Psalm 98, we are told to sing joyfully before God and to listen to the rivers and mountains as they rejoice before the Lord. Why? Because God does rule the earth and that rule is one of justice and equity. Despite all the tribulations and apparent destruction, God is still in charge and joy will overcome grief, life will conquer death, the chains of sin will be shattered.

Someone once said: "Joy never comes without suffering and therefore demands courage." In these dark days of November, it is our faith that tells us that God is near and thus we can rejoice. And it is people like Albert Schweitzer, Mother Teresa, and St. Paul, who have demonstrated the courage and perseverance that evidences God's presence in their souls.

(Bishop Morneau is the auxiliary bishop of the Green Bay Diocese and pastor of Resurrection Parish in Allouez.)