Memorial of Saint Teresa of Jesus, Virgin and Doctor of the Church
Our 4-year-old son, Francis, is a big fan of the music from Casting Crowns. Lately, his favorite song is, “Even When Your Running”, or as he likes to call it, “Casting Crowns number five” (signifying that it is the fifth track on their album titled Only Jesus--another of his favorites). I confess that I had not paid attention to the lyrics until today; and only because of Francis did I pay attention to them today. For context, I’m sharing the lyrics for the end of the song:
And you don't need another place to hide
He'll find you in your darkest night
His love is holding on to you
Even when you're running
Even when you're running
It's time to stop running now
You don't have to have it figured out
All you need to do is turn around
And the Father will come running
Today, as we were on our way to school, Francis was in the back of the van singing his heart out through the entire song. First of all, my mind is blown at how quickly and accurately he learns the lyrics, but even more so, his comprehension of the words and interpretation of the meaning is eye-opening as well. As the song is coming to an end, Francis says, “Dad, you’ll always come running too for us. Because you’re a father.” My heart exploded. Yes, yes I will bud.
I share this story because it was striking to me as I reflected on today’s readings and the memorial of St. Teresa of Avila. Our psalm refrain recites, “I turn to you, Lord, in time of trouble, and you fill me with the joy of salvation.” God is always ready for us to turn around. His love is there, inescapable, unwavering, holding on to us in our troubles, our grief, our pain, as much as it is there in the joy, happiness, and prosperity. Sometimes in our life, it is like we are running from God into the world when in reality, we need to turn around. In doing so, St. Teresa would suggest we will want nothing else but to stay in God’s arms under his mighty and merciful care. We belong to God; he dwells in us and desires for us to dwell in him.
In the gospel, Jesus reminds us that, “Even the hairs of your head have all been counted. Do not be afraid. You are worth more than many sparrows” (Lk 12:7). Every last detail has been accounted for and is encased in the love of the Father. Every fear we hold onto, every rut we dig into, every lie we allow to burden our hearts; love will overcome. God is love; love never sees anything as impossible, everything is permitted. On our journey as disciples, may we be reminded that his love is holding onto us. God, grant us the grace of acting within our hearts, making us think of all you desire us to do at the present moment. May we turn around and allow the father to come running.
Peace,
Brandon Meyer