We are not alone in our struggles.
On this 13th Sunday in Ordinary Time, the Gospel reading presents us with a
message that rebounds deeply within our contemporary lives. Jesus’ words to
the synagogue official, “Do not be afraid; just have faith,” echo across the
centuries, offering us great comfort and guidance in times of uncertainty and
fear. In a world where anxiety often grips our hearts and minds, these words
invite us to embrace an attitude of trust and reliance on God, knowing that we
are not alone in our struggles.
Fear is an emotion that we all experience. It can manifest in various forms –
fear of the unknown, fear of failure, fear of loss, and fear of our safety and wellbeing. These fears can paralyze us, preventing us from living fully and freely.
Jesus’ assurance to the synagogue official, whose daughter was gravely ill, is a
call to transcend our fears through faith. In turning to the Lord, we find a source
of strength and courage. Faith does not necessarily mean the absence of fear
but rather the willingness to move forward despite it. This trust allows us to face
our fears, knowing that God’s love and guidance will help us to overcome them.This week, we celebrate the Fourth of July, a day that marks the birth of our
nation. We are reminded of the great sacrifices made by countless individuals for
our freedom. Independence Day is a moment to pause, remember, and thank
those who laid down their lives to secure the liberties we often take for granted.
Their courage and dedication are testaments to the power of conviction and faith
in a higher cause. Our nation’s founding fathers’ inscription “In God We Trust” in
their declaration, summarizes a foundational belief transcending mere political
ideology – a statement of faith in divine guidance and providence.
Dear brothers and sisters, as we commemorate the birth of our nation and
reflect on the Gospel’s call to faith over fear, let us renew our commitment to
trusting in God. We find solace in His love and grace, knowing He is everpresent, guiding us through life’s joys and trials. Let us also express our gratitude
for our freedoms and the sacrifices made to secure them. May we echo the
words of the psalmist: “I will praise you, Lord, for you have rescued me.” With
hearts full of faith and gratitude, we entrust ourselves and our nation to God’s
unfailing care. May God bless America and each one of us.Fr. Dominic Toan Tran, Pastor
Happy 4th of July to you all!