DIFFICULTIES CAN MARK HUMAN LIFE
In the first
reading from the Book of Genesis, most of us can remember the well-known story
of Cain and Abel. This story speaks of genuine and lasting aspects that affect
our daily lives. One aspect concerns the painful reality of hurt and quarrels
within families. Is there any family that has not known a situation where a son
and mother have not spoken to each other for years, where siblings have cut
each other off, where husband and wife just argue and never listen to each
other, or where spouses have bitterly separated? As we reflect on today's
reading, is any one of us unfamiliar with the seeming injustices of human life?
Difficulties mark human life: estrangement from others; difficulty in living
with those closest to us; misunderstandings; questions about how the world
works, and how God and nature should treat us. Family hostilities and problems
may be helped by counseling and spiritual direction, but often what is needed
is for someone to swallow his or her own pride, forgive the other, and be
willing to start anew.
We seem to be
constantly looking for signs from God to help us. Usually what He does within
us and for us at the Eucharist is not to give us extraordinary signs of comfort
or strength. Instead, our Lord responds to the least bit of prayerful faith on
our part with a peaceful spirit, hope, a deep assurance, and even new
approaches to ongoing problems in our lives.
St. Teresa of
Avila's prayer book contained a bookmark on which she had written: "Let
nothing disturb you: let nothing frighten you. All things are passing: God
never changes. Patience achieves all it strives for. Whoever has God lacks
nothing, God alone suffices." Is God enough for us?
Today let us offer
to God a sacrifice of praise.