People of Action and Contemplation

My dear sisters and brothers in the Lord,

November offers us a point of reference for life, and all that leads us to eternal life. We celebrated the Solemnity of All Saints and All the Faithful Departed (All Souls). These spiritual remembrances help us to look at the crowns of our life in Christ. These days fill us with sobering hope of a life that is lived out in the fullness of Christ.

The Responsorial Psalm is one of the most known of Christianity, Psalm 23: “Though I walk in the valley of darkness, I fear no evil, for you are with me at my side.” This short little profession of faith speaks so much to me again in these contemporary days, as it seems all humanity is walking through many valleys of darkness, and there is great uncertainty of where we are even headed. It is not an exaggeration to ask the question, both individually and collectively, “What is going to become of us?” With the uncertainty of so much happening in the world today, we can so easily slip into the disparage of fear in the unknown.

Our First Reading from the Book of Wisdom declares, “The souls of the just are in the hand of God, and no torment shall touch them.” I believe that we are all called right now to stay very awake while engaging in acts of advocacy to make a difference in the world.  We are to be people of action and contemplation. For me, I feel empowered to fight on for a better world, with greater confidence, knowing that others have “walked in the dark valley” of life before us with courage and conviction of faith, and now share the eternal glory. This is the promise to hold close to your hearts on this day when we celebrate those who have gone before us in glory and in hope, and who are living in the promise of the Resurrection.

I am your brother,

Fr. Larry OFM