"Do not abandon me in time of trouble, in the midst of storms and dangers." - Sirach 51:10 

They say the pandemic is easing and the COVID threat is decreasing. They say that the inflationary pressure on the economy is reducing. They say that Ukraine is regaining ground in the conflict with Russia. They say that the number of mass shootings is improved over the past years. They say the US southern border is secure. They say that a rising number of Americans believe that the US is on the right track. 

You feel great with all of this good news. Or at least you should. After all, that's what "they say." 

But how should, or do, you feel? Do you feel like crying out, "God, where are you?" Do you feel like God has abandoned us? Do you feel like God doesn't care? 

When the priest was asked about how to stop the mass shootings in the US and throughout the world, his reply was, "It's a simple but difficult question ... God help us." 

Let us turn over all of our simple questions to a God who never abandons us in time of trouble, or in the midst of storms and dangers. 

And let us pray: God, help us. Amen. 

TAGS: Inspiration, Prayer

They stop in the Adoration Chapel where Jesus is waiting for them in the Blessed Sacrament. They are joyous; they are sad. They bow; they kneel. They smile; they cry. They come from all walks of life; dressed in all sorts of attire. They are all ages, all genders, all sizes. They stay for a few minutes or for a few hours. 

Some are too ashamed to even enter into His presence, and choose instead to kneel in the hall before the open door. 

Each of them has a need: to talk,  to share, to dump, to heal. Each of them has a want: counseling, advice, direction, forgiveness. 

The young woman comes in seeking blessings for her school day. The young man comes in seeking companionship as he heads off to college. The adult woman comes in seeking relief for her grieving of the turmoil in her native country. The adult male comes in seeking forgiveness for his errant ways. The priest comes in seeking guidance in his ministry. 

It is a mixed population with varied histories, but all one faith. 

Each of them is looking and searching and finding ... Jesus, their friend. 

TAGS: Reflection