In his book “Let Us Dream,” Pope Francis reminds us that what allows us to experience the newness which faith can bring is to be present to people in their lives and to respond to their needs in the same way Christ has responded – in abundant care and love, just as he shared in the love poured out from the Father.
Sometimes we experience things in life that we don’t understand – at least right away. We may even be taken aback by these things. Rather than dismiss them, we are invited to follow Mary’s example – hold onto them in our hearts with a trust that God will reveal the unfolding plan for our lives.
Especially over the past year, so many of us have experienced losses. God doesn’t take away the pain of our losses but helps us to see through it to the future that God has in mind for each one of us, and for all of us.
Like those Apostles and the early Christians, we are responding to new needs in new ways. Christ again tells us to not be afraid, even in the midst of the pains and difficulties of the present moment.
When we choose to love our enemies – or as Dr. King put it, when we find the “strength to love our enemies,”– we show the truth and beauty of the message of Christ to others.
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