We are living in interesting and tumultuous times. I must say I would
not be opposed to some dullness and boredom in our world, and in the
news. In times such as those in which we find ourselves it can
sometimes be a challenge to find within ourselves a sense of gratitude
and thanksgiving, it being overwhelmed by worry and concern. But
anytime I find within myself that sense of despair with the state of the
world, my mind casts itself, (or perhaps, the Holy Spirit inspires?) me to recall two other
considerations. The first some words from St. Pio (padre Pio), “Blessed the crisis that made you
grow, the fall that made you gaze up to Heaven, the problem that made you look for God”. And
secondly, from the wonderful Tolkien, “‘I wish it need not have happened in my time,’ said Frodo.
‘So do I’, said Gandalf, ‘and so do all who live to see such times. But that is not for them to
decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us’”.
I recall an earlier time in my life, when some aspects of it were particularly difficult for my
two sons and me, and on top of everything else, the water heater in the basement decided to
burst. Not the ‘one more thing’ I needed in my life at that point. And as the boys and I were
cleaning up in the basement, and sorting through soggy papers, and Christmas decorations, and
all those sorts of things one tends to store in a basement, one of my sons said to me, “Gee dad,
it would sure be nice if SOMETHING could start going our way”. I recall replying, “Are you
kidding me? the three of us are together, theres a roof over our head, and there will be food on
our table tonight. What more could we possibly really need?”.
It seems to me there is something of a paradox linked with gratitude, and that is that
focusing on gratitude, focusing on the positive things in our lives – other people, where we live,
our abundance, our families and friends, the fact I undeservedly get to be alive THIS day, and
breathe the air THIS day, THIS hour, the multitude of blessing and Grace that surround us –
conquers the despair that would otherwise diminish gratitude. That despair which would hinder
gratitude is best overcome, in fact, by gratitude itself.
Neither you nor I will be singularly responsible for ending the war in Ukraine, nor solving
the centuries long Middle East crisis, nor ending the horrific violence against Christians in many
parts of the world today, including North America. But where you and I can be singularly
responsible is our responses to such crises. By my Christian discipleship am I promoting
peaceableness, non-violence, being something of a light-house shining Christ’s light out into the
darkness, warning against the dangers which are lurking? Or do I, by my actions and words, add
to the divisions and polarization. Padre, (now, “Saint”) Pio, whose writings I first read back in my
teen years, was right: “Blessed the crisis that makes you grow…the problem that made you look
for God”. And Tolkien reminds us we have personal responsibility over how we navigate these
days, “All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us”. Jesus, His way, is what
I believe is the best way, and most fulfilling way, and most loving and human way, to follow in the
time that is given us. I am thankful for the Grace that has been given to those of us who see this,
and have responded to His call. “Here am I Lord, send me”. As difficult as that may on occasion
be.
Happy Thanksgiving,
Your brother in Christ, and His servant, Brad.
THANKSGIVING SERVICES
Sunday, October 13, 8 am & 10:30 am
