The Word of God is powerful in enlightening minds, strengthening hearts and energizing people of faith to live their lives full of trust in God's presence and hope in God's promise. We are never alone when we place ourselves in God's hands and strive to live as God asks.

In a variety of ways, the message is proclaimed. The problem isn't the message: the problem is our being open to it and sincere in carrying it out. That's easier said than done. Why? Well, God says many discomforting things because they challenge the wisdom of the world and contradict the promises of wealth, power, esteem, control and security, items we are attracted to and desire to obtain.

God is not calling us to poverty, misery, dependency or powerlessness. It is clear, through Jesus' words and example, that God is saying, "trust Me; I will not lead you to harm. I will lead you to holiness, wholeness and the fulfillment of being fully human." God offers us a treasure, a power, an honor and a stability no one or nothing can ever take from us or destroy. It always comes back to us: are we convinced?

One of the Gospel stories presents a Canaanite woman, a foreigner and outcast. She pleads for help; Jesus seemingly rejects her plea. It is only a test for her faith. When she persists, Jesus heals her daughter and praises the mother highly. Perhaps the bottom line is this; being for more than self is wise, not foolish. Being for the needs of others will not lead to less for me. Being compassionate in achieving the common good of all is the best way of loving self. God speaks: who is listening?

"Listening with Trust" -- by Mark Franceschini, OSM. Used with permission.