Trusting Always in God

"Do not be afraid; I am with you always."  Rembrandt's Storm at Sea

The word of God takes us back to the sixth century before Jesus. Jeremiah contrasts those who trust in God against those who simply trust in their own resources, e.g., money or power. The author says we have a choice: either trust in God's unconditional love for us and flourish; or trust in your own resources and become like a barren bush in the wasteland.

Paul, in his letter to the Christian community at Corinth speaks about our future. Jesus Christ, once crucified, is now alive. And just as God transfigured the earthly Jesus into a new kind of spiritual embodiment,  so too will God transfigure us in a life beyond this earthly life.

 In the Gospel according to Luke, Jesus tells us of blessings and woes. Blessed are they who acknowledge with gratitude their total dependency upon God; who seek God in their daily lives; who endure hardships for the sake of Christ. Rejoice! The kingdom of heaven will be theirs. And then the woes? Woe to those who have "so much" and yet do nothing for the needy, the hungry, the sick and dying.

It’s not always easy to trust in God's unconditional love for us, especially when what's happening to us is the opposite of what we want to happen. Sometimes our prayers are answered. Other times, you and I may pray and find silence. We may even feel like giving up on God; or thinking negatively about ourselves.

I invite us not to get “bogged down” in negative feelings but to rise above them by reflecting on certain faith themes:
1. Let’s re-examine our image of God. Some think of God as a judge. Maybe we copy that sometimes. However, the bible, holding the religious experiences of so many, offers a collage. God is depicted as a walking companion in Genesis. A debater in Job. An anxious parent and a comforting mother in Isaiah. A father of a prodigal son in the Gospels. What is our image? God is our ever-faithful companion.

2. Remember God’s providence. Like a skilled pickpocket, God is present to us in many ways and we don’t always know it, except by evidence afterward. He may seem absent, but our faith says he’s in our midst.

3. Be angry but don’t stay angry. Yes, to demand an answer is to take God seriously, to acknowledge God’s care. But we ultimately have to let go of our anger and move forward; otherwise anger will poison our relationships.

4. Know that you are in good company. Even prophets and saints have argued with God. The point is this: keep praying. God is the best solution. God’s ultimate purpose is to satisfy our deepest needs.

The great 16th century Spanish mystic Teresa of Avila, gives this perspective:
Let nothing disturb you;
Let nothing dismay you;
all things pass;
God never changes;
they who have God find they lack nothing:
God alone suffices for us.

R-E-S-P-E-C-T-ful Relationships

Richard Hook's "Head of Christ"

To foster positive relationships, we must be willing to forgive, apologize and get on with our lives. This of course is a two-way street. If we communicate regularly, do things together and have fun, we can create a climate of love, trust and R-E-S-P-E-C-T.  I can't help but think of Aretha Franklin's magical soul song "Respect"; and her line "sock-it-to me." May she  rest in peace.

For the last three weekends the Gospels have proclaimed that Jesus is the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats this bread and drinks from this cup, Jesus says, abides in God and God abides in them. The mystery of the indwelling of God is in us!

But Jesus is often presented in the Gospels confronting critics. And we too face conflicts in our daily lives. Such arguments are not only inevitable; they can lead to even better relationships. Yes, a disagreement can be an opportunity to clear the air, to get back on course. Let me highlight some guidelines for arguing fairly:

1. When we have a bone to pick, set up a time to speak and settle the matter as soon as possible. Why? We don’t want to bottle up anger indefinitely. Setting an agreeable time and a quiet place also allows us to cool off and sort out the issue. That’s the goal.

2. Define carefully the particular behavior we have a problem with. What do I really object to? Is it worth arguing about? Am I overreacting? For example, when I have to clean up someone else’s mess, it’s more work for me. Make “I” statements, impact statements, rather than “you” statements. “I” statements avoid name calling (like “You’re inconsiderate”), avoid generalizations (like “You never think of anyone else”) and abusive language (like “Listen, you airhead”).

3. Express your feelings honestly,calmly and thoughtfully. Disguising feelings, instead of expressing them honestly and thoughtfully, can be dangerous. Just as aches and pain in our bodies alert us to physical problems, feelings alert us to problems in our relationships. With feelings, thoughtful honesty is the best policy.

4. Come up with creative solutions. You may have a specific request that will resolve an issue. For example, to a teenager, how about playing your drums or trombone some time other than the middle of the night. If we cannot think of a solution, brainstorm: the more ideas, the better. Work together to solve the problem.

There are other so-called “guidelines” for arguing fairly, including actively listening with each other, staying calm, agreeing to disagree and so forth.

God knows we sometimes struggle in our earthly relationships. Daily prayer puts our hearts in the right place. If we’re ever in doubt, turn to Chapter 6 in the Gospel according to Luke, where Jesus advises:
“Be merciful, just as [also] your Father is merciful.
Stop judging and you will not be judged.
Stop condemning and you will not be condemned.
Forgive and you will be forgiven.”