In his Gospel account this Sunday, Luke explained to us the reason why he has undertaken the task of writing his own account of the Good News of Jesus Christ: so that we all may realize the certainty of the teachings we have received (Luke 1:1-4). Luke's Gospel gives us insight into how we may understand Jesus' presence in our own lives.
Awareness of Jesus' Presence
Luke speaks to us about the beginning of Jesus' public ministry and return to Nazareth, where he grew up (4:14-21). In the synagogue where everyone knows him, Jesus reads to them from the Prophet Isaiah. After he reads, he sits down, and everyone is looking at him. He then says: "Today this scripture passage is fulfilled in your hearing." Jesus tells them that his mission is the fulfillment of Isaiah's prophecy. Jesus is the one for whom the chosen people have been waiting; he is the Good News.
The best thing that can happen for the people... has just happened! The kingdom of God is made present to them, because Jesus the Word of God is in their midst. Luke continues: "…all spoke highly of him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his mouth."
They also asked, Isn't this the son of Joseph? They wonder how this man who has been their neighbor since childhood, can claim to be the Messiah without the proof of miracles?! As we know from other Gospel accounts, even when Jesus does perform miracles and speaks with unheard authority, few put faith in him. He is the Good News for all time, and yet is often met by rejection.
Why Rejection?
Evidence of Jesus Christ is mentioned in historical writings outside of the Scriptural accounts of his life, death, and resurrection. Yet, two thousand years after his death, the number of people who reject him is growing faster than the population. We live in the age of relativism, where individuals want to decide what is important for them personally, without regard to any authority or how one's own beliefs affect others. Primary contributors to this situation are consumerism and materialism, because they can underscore a capacity to isolate ourselves from others and live for our self. This situation leads to loneliness (and sadness), because it is contrary to our human needs and purpose.
God's Presence In Our Despair
However, no matter how far we drift from God, there is always the possibility of discovering his presence if we choose to have the humility to turn to God in our time of need. He can manifest his presence even when all seems lost.
In 1941 during World War II, Maximillian Kolbe was arrested by the Nazis for hiding Jews from them. He was treated with hatred in the prison camp. One day, after a prisoner attempted an escape, 10 men were selected to die of starvation as an example to the others. One of the men begged for his life on behalf of his wife and small children. Maximillian Kolbe offered his life in the man's place. The 10 men were forced into a small box-like building, where there was only room enough to stand.
Instead of the usual cursing that was heard when men were waiting to die, hymns and prayers were heard coming from the box. This caused an unusual peace to settle over the death camp, and gave hope to the other prisoners. In that terrible place, the kingdom of God was at hand for those who believed.
Often, when we are going through a trial or great difficulty, our temptation is to focus on our dilemma, and in our imagination, it becomes bigger than reality and overwhelms us. If, on the other hand, we would turn to Jesus and ask him for his help, we can be assured that he will give us the grace we need in that moment.
- It may be the grace to see things as they truly are.
- It may be the grace of humility to ask the right people for help.
- It may be the grace to surrender your life to God and to put your total trust in him.
Read what he says to us in the Scriptures and be confident in his providential love and mercy. Here is one of God's promises:
Wherever two or more are gathered in my name, there I am in the midst of them. (Matthew 18:20)
We are never alone; we always have our guardian angel with us. Whenever we turn to our Lord in prayer from our heart, we can be sure that the kingdom of God is at hand.
Concern for People In Our Lives
We all have people we are concerned about, and we should never give up praying for them. Sometimes, it is the prayers of a loved one that finally helps God's grace to break into our lives—as in the case of Saint Augustine. Amid his life of wild partying, promiscuity, and other poor decisions, his mother's constant prayers were answered by his powerful conversion. Then, he realized that God's presence and love was always there.
You called, shouted, broke through my deafness; you flared, blazed, banished my blindness... (Excerpt from Augustine's autobiographical Confessions)
Deacon Tom Fox, K.C.H.S. and Mary Jane Fox, D.C.H.S. are the Co-Founders & Co-Directors of Pilgrim Center of Hope. The two left their careers after a profound conversion experience and began working full-time in ministry at their parish in 1986. After several years and having impacted tens of thousands of families, the Foxes founded Pilgrim Center of Hope in 1993 as a response to the Church’s call for a New Evangelization. Deacon Tom is an invested member of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem, a Commander Knight of the Holy Sepulchre.
Answering Christ’s call, Pilgrim Center of Hope guides people to encounter Him so as to live in hope, as pilgrims in daily life. See what’s happening & let us journey with you! Visit PilgrimCenterOfHope.org.
