Forward With Confidence

• “Almighty God sends no trial without consolation.” St. Jean Vianney

Recently, some enterprising young people were canvassing the neighbourhood as they were trying to start a business for the summer. University students banded together to make money. I did not really need the work done but I wanted to encourage them, so I hired them. The same thing happened during the harsh winter earlier this year. Young people offered to shovel my driveway to earn money. I paid them well. People need to be encouraged in their endeavours. There is a reward at the end the road though we might not see it at times. I followed Pope Leo XIV trip to Spain. His words echoed many saints and popes. Bring joy to the world, love is the best method, and he reminded young people not to be afraid. How often similar words are said to us, yet they often go unheeded. Recently, in the language school I work at, a curious situation arose whereby a new student, all of whom are adults, arrived. It turns out he is a priest looking to improve his English skills. Nothing happens by chance. We need to look at the signs that are presented to us.

“Remember the past with gratitude, live the present with enthusiasm. Look forward to the future with confidence.” St. John Paul II

As the Easter season closed, we returned to readings in ordinary time. The Acts of Apostles recounted how the Church grew but it did not end there. St. Boniface, a learned and aristocratic man, is considered the Apostle to the Germans. He was named primate of Germany and as he prepared to confirm converts, he was murdered. The Church continued and grew despite the struggles. St. Norbert, the feast following St. Boniface, remembers another great who founded the Norbertines and worked to reform the clergy. “We are slain with the sword, but we increase and multiply,” wrote St. Justin during the persecutions of Marcus Aurelius. “Our faith cannot be stopped.” It might be impeded at times, but our Lord always wins. He has already won.

"In difficult moments I will fix my gave upon the silent heart of Jesus, stretched upon the cross, and from the exploding flames of his merciful heart, will flow down upon me power and strength to keep fighting" - Saint Faustina

Are we paying attention to the signs? There is always something great happening around us, in front of our eyes.  There are many opportunities to help us be more aware. It is so essential that we continue to be ready for what might happen. Sometimes, events happen to us, and a movie script cannot write it better. Obviously, someone greater is at work. We might not see it and trust it all the time, but it is surely amazing to be a witness to such great possibilities. A little self-reflection, more silence and great patience are all simply part of such awareness. We cannot limit the greatness that is possible. I have seen the possibilities though I might not be able to understand them immediately. This is our faith and we continue to wait.

"I think peace will be a long time coming. But our faith teaches us that we must always keep on hoping, we shall enjoy it one day" - Pier Giorgio Frassati