Have you ever wondered why many experience God’s love and presence during the most difficult and challenging times? Many said that they felt God’s love, encouragement and guiding hand in the midst of events such as a the terrorist attacks of 9/11, the devastation of Hurricane Katrina and their battle with cancer.  Often, it is during the darkest times that we turn to God and experience His grace and gentle embrace.

 It is during these tough times, which seem impossible to bear, that we are able to be still and listen. It is during these times that we choose to call upon Christ, hearing that deep voice within, inviting the light to overcome the darkness.  It is during these times of despair that we find the strength to reach out for God’s grace as did St. Peter and the apostles, when we become still enough to respond in a Godly way to others.

What is our response to the questions of a child who asks “Why did God do that to the people of New Orleans?  Didn’t He love them? Were they mean people?”  We must recognize that our God is about life, love, and light.  It is this God that will bring hope in the midst of despair, bring love in the midst of anger, bring peace in the midst of war and bring clarity in the midst of chaos.

There are many who have said life has changed radically because of their experience in a disaster, catastrophe, struggling marriage or battling an illness.  A woman who lost her teenage son to a medical illness told me that after her son died almost everything she valued before his death has become meaningless today.  Jokes are not nearly as funny, shopping at the Mall doesn’t have the same dazzling allure, and even vacations to exotic places have lost their glamour. Yet, a simple phone call from a friend, time spent with loved ones, the comfort of prayer and being still with God have a much greater significance.

We must have faith in our Lord who gives meaning to every twist and turn in life.  He will give us the power and strength to choose life, not death; love, not hate.  We must choose the way of Jesus.  Then we will bring goodness, peace, and joy into our lives, spreading it as a light into our world.

Elder Philotheos of Mt. Athos writes:  “The present transitory life is like the sea and we are the ships.  Just as ships at sea, we don’t encounter only peace, but many times we are met with strong winds and great storms, scandals, temptations, sicknesses, sorrows, distress, persecutions and various dangers.  We must not, however, lose courage.  We must be bold, courageous and faithful.  If we lose courage in the face of the storms and dangers in life, as timid humans of little faith, let us call on Christ as Peter did, and Jesus will reach out His hand and help us.”

It is up to us to reach out and receive His power and grace. It is at all times that our Lord reaches out to His people expressing His love, desiring that we return to Him.  God is always calling us back into a relationship with Him. No matter what we do or say, God continues to be in relationship with us. Our Lord continues to love us.  Reassuringly, God’s love and presence never diminishes, even in the darkest moments.  

              In peace,   Fr. Tom