Mark 8:27-35 v2

 Mark 8:27-35

 

Twenty years ago, on September 12th 2001, I, and many others around me repeatedly asked, "Why God? Why?" I had been plagued with doubt of His goodness. It felt like a confusing, foggy dream. Days turned into weeks and weeks turned into months, and I can still recall the daze I was in, the cloud of smoke trailing my classmates and me as we tried to embrace our new norm.

One year ago, I returned to the same despair during the plague of Covid-19. Again, why? The cross felt too heavy to carry with news stories of the many deaths we heard about throughout the year, both Covid and non-Covid related.

Today's Gospel highlights how we often have on our mind human concerns rather than those of our God. Particularly during our most overwhelming trials, we must ask, "Is my faith strong enough, Lord? Is my heart where it should be, that it can withstand any troubles of today or fears of the unknown to come? Is my foundation on You, or lying in the realms of today's unreliable world? On money, idolatry, materials that pass away and are finite?"

During difficult times, we must try not to survive by our own strength, but use such moments as a way to reaffirm our faith. We can bring ourselves closer to God through prayer and relying on His word. Cultivating our relationship with Christ, we can recognize the value of suffering and how it again reminds us that our only Father is our God. With this, goodness and light come out of the darkest of times.

 

Ponder:

 

Is my faith strong enough to withstand my times of fear and anxiety?

 

Pray:


Lord, always remind me that I am never alone, for it is You who will guide me through the trials and tribulations of this uncertain world. 

 

https://www.catholicmom.com/daily-gospel/daily-gospel-reflection-for-september-12-2021-24th-sunday-after-pentecost

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