Today's Gospel reading from St. Luke touched upon some of the inner turmoil I have experienced recently. Events that have taken place locally, nationally, and around the world during this past week have demonstrated just how far we are from God. There are many people needing to hear the Good News of salvation. The harvest is indeed huge.
I needed to hear these words today to keep from growing discouraged. As I watch the chaos and confusion surrounding our world I realize that we can't simply give up. We continue to sow the seeds of faith; we water and nurture what was planted before us; we harvest the crop that is ripe. I must continue to be a faithful laborer in the vineyard, and so must you.
Three terror attacks around the globe within the last week, and attributed to ISIS, reminds us that the world is a dangerous place. Respect for life does not exist in the minds of those who view much of the world as infidels. These types of attacks are not likely to subside any time soon. Unfortunately, the corruption of politics here at home and abroad give little hope for more effective actions to be put into place to curb such violence any time soon.
As the Fortnight for Freedom draws to a close tomorrow, I will admit that I feel a sense of sadness for our country. The FBI is investigating one presidential nominee and the concerns about trust seem to grow each day. The integrity of the Attorney General is now called into question putting a cloud over the year-long investigation. Some claim it is all a "witch-hunt" while others point to the long history of questionable behaviors ever since the Clintons have been in public life. Regardless of where you stand on the political side of things, this has not been good for our country.
On the other side of the aisle we have a man that many feel is completely unacceptable as a presidential candidate as well. The list of apprehensions about him is quite lengthy. While he does not have a political record to evaluate, he has been a public figure for a long time. Many feel that his track record is not that good on a variety of issues.
How many people have you heard say, "I can't in good conscience vote for either one of them?" What does that say about our nation? Is this the best we can do?
As I mentioned in my previous blog I have great concerns about our loss of freedom. The Fortnight for Freedom attempts to highlight that concern. It is essential that we continue to pray for our nation and its leaders, but we also have a responsibility to be involved in our local communities. Are we willing to be part of the solution to what ails our culture? I want to encourage you to get involved. Sitting on the sidelines in quiet desperation is not the answer.
Locally, we had a shooting on one of our church parking lots in the diocese. An individual attending a funeral had a warrant out for his arrest. Facts are still sketchy, but the individual was apparently confronted by Federal Agents in the church parking lot after the funeral. There have not been many details released but the suspect was shot and killed in the process of being arrested.
The strife and turmoil of life is all around us; it isn't just in lands far, far away. Where do we start? We begin by being people of prayer. Pray faithfully and fervently. Next, we get involved in our local communities. Can we bloom right where we have been planted? Can we be a beacon of light to others? Please don't let discouragement squelch your joy in the Lord. We remain people of hope because Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
The harvest is plenty--I better get back to my labors!
Will you join me?
I needed to hear these words today to keep from growing discouraged. As I watch the chaos and confusion surrounding our world I realize that we can't simply give up. We continue to sow the seeds of faith; we water and nurture what was planted before us; we harvest the crop that is ripe. I must continue to be a faithful laborer in the vineyard, and so must you.
Three terror attacks around the globe within the last week, and attributed to ISIS, reminds us that the world is a dangerous place. Respect for life does not exist in the minds of those who view much of the world as infidels. These types of attacks are not likely to subside any time soon. Unfortunately, the corruption of politics here at home and abroad give little hope for more effective actions to be put into place to curb such violence any time soon.
As the Fortnight for Freedom draws to a close tomorrow, I will admit that I feel a sense of sadness for our country. The FBI is investigating one presidential nominee and the concerns about trust seem to grow each day. The integrity of the Attorney General is now called into question putting a cloud over the year-long investigation. Some claim it is all a "witch-hunt" while others point to the long history of questionable behaviors ever since the Clintons have been in public life. Regardless of where you stand on the political side of things, this has not been good for our country.
On the other side of the aisle we have a man that many feel is completely unacceptable as a presidential candidate as well. The list of apprehensions about him is quite lengthy. While he does not have a political record to evaluate, he has been a public figure for a long time. Many feel that his track record is not that good on a variety of issues.
How many people have you heard say, "I can't in good conscience vote for either one of them?" What does that say about our nation? Is this the best we can do?
As I mentioned in my previous blog I have great concerns about our loss of freedom. The Fortnight for Freedom attempts to highlight that concern. It is essential that we continue to pray for our nation and its leaders, but we also have a responsibility to be involved in our local communities. Are we willing to be part of the solution to what ails our culture? I want to encourage you to get involved. Sitting on the sidelines in quiet desperation is not the answer.
Locally, we had a shooting on one of our church parking lots in the diocese. An individual attending a funeral had a warrant out for his arrest. Facts are still sketchy, but the individual was apparently confronted by Federal Agents in the church parking lot after the funeral. There have not been many details released but the suspect was shot and killed in the process of being arrested.
The strife and turmoil of life is all around us; it isn't just in lands far, far away. Where do we start? We begin by being people of prayer. Pray faithfully and fervently. Next, we get involved in our local communities. Can we bloom right where we have been planted? Can we be a beacon of light to others? Please don't let discouragement squelch your joy in the Lord. We remain people of hope because Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
The harvest is plenty--I better get back to my labors!
Will you join me?
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