Memorial of Saint Kateri Tekakwitha, Virgin
Isaiah the prophet had a great message for trembling King Ahaz. I wonder, what do we have in common with him? He was set to be attacked by two other armies at once; that’s a good reason to worry! In these days we also have plenty of very legitimate reasons to worry. The world is not alright. What does the Word offer us in these uncertain times?
The final words of the reading echo loudly: “Unless your faith is firm, you shall not be firm!” What does a firm faith mean, exactly? Are we called to believe we won’t get sick, or that poverty will not worsen its grip on our community, or that racist policies and attitudes will be wiped out? Isaiah explains in the verses just before his slam-dunk summary: “Take care you remain tranquil and do not fear.” In the midst of very reasonable concerns, we need to be calm, at peace, undisturbed. How’s that work?
As always, God walks with us in the present moment. No matter what happens, in Christ we have our ultimate peace. Will our body get sick? It’s possible. Will we lose our job? That can happen. Will we and those we love suffer hate in these times? Indeed it is likely, especially if we are faithful to the gospel. Of course it’s also possible that our personal future will remain bright and that our collective future will overcome the challenges of the moment and become a better and more just society. Regardless, the point of today’s reading is faith. We know that God is bringing about the Kingdom in God’s time, and that our work here is a small part of establishing that Kingdom. When we rest in the Spirit with our cares, we can allow God to be God, and do what little we are called to do.
Today, let’s talk openly with our Lord about our concerns. After a good long talk, let’s accept the Spirit’s gift of tranquility that results from faith. Our Lord will carry us through to the other side, where racism and sickness and death and economic injustice are all dead. Blessed be God!
-Chris Nieport