As the evenings get longer and the signs of Spring slowly surface, it is a good time to look forward in faith to the future. The scale of suffering brought about by the Covid-19 global pandemic has spread a heavy cloud of darkness across the entire world, but this new year still offers an opportunity to be hopeful and to look towards the light on the horizon. Christians have always looked to their faith to find direction and peace, especially during a time of crisis. They have sought answers to the bigger questions of life, such as where is God in the suffering in the world – for example in the current case of the Coronavirus outbreak. The truth and consolation of having faith is the profound recognition that God is present in every crisis. Having faith helps one overcome fear because God’s plan is to guide his people into the way of peace.
Seeing through the lens of faith enables one to surrender the past to God’s mercy, to find peace and happiness through the blessings of the present, and to have patient trust in God’s providence for the future. Even in the midst of unprecedented challenges, religious practice and the support of a faith community fosters resilience in Christians who believe in God’s promises. Challenges and trials form part of life. The Christian life also contains some moments of darkness – even the saints had to overcome doubt and dark nights in their life of faith. But whatever the struggle, fear or battle; faith helps people to find their way, to see what truly matters in life. The faithful learn to embrace the Cross, finding the hope to live beyond fear because suffering does not have the final word – the resurrection of Jesus gives life ultimate meaning and the promise of eternal life to those who freely choose to love him. The journey of drawing closer to Christ is a life-long process of conversion inviting believers to give and not to count the cost, and to forgive, even in the midst of the harshness that can be experienced in the world in which we live.
Prayer is a great weapon in times of darkness and a real and tangible way to connect with the person of Jesus Christ and the healing power of his grace. Perseverance in prayer and a great love for Jesus and Mary enabled countless generations of Catholics throughout the world to remain steadfast to the faith in times of great trial and persecution. St. Thérèse of Lisieux described prayer as “a surge of the heart; it is a simple look turned toward heaven, it is a cry of recognition and of love, embracing both trial and joy.” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2558) Prayer can be turning to God at any moment of the day, or making a sustained time of adoration to acknowledge the Divine presence, who through his great love has given each person the gift of life, and who sustains every life. Prayer is where heart speaks to heart – an intimate place where docility to the Holy Spirit enables the yearnings of the human heart to be lovingly embraced by the heart of Jesus. In that sacred space one can be unburdened from worry and concern, and look to Mary, the Mother of the Church and of all believers, for protection and intercession for one’s needs.
A verse from St. Paul’s Letter to the Philippians in the Bible aptly outlines the power of prayer “Never worry about anything; but tell God all your desires of every kind in prayer and petition shot through with gratitude, and the peace of God which is beyond our understanding will guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7). God does not want his people to be anxious or afraid – scripture says “unload all your burden on to him, since he is concerned about you”. (1 Peter 5:7). Worry and anxiety can be surrendered because “he will sustain you; never will he allow the upright to stumble (Psalm 55:22). Even though one’s faith can be tested and challenged by the struggles and trials which can be experienced in life, God gives special graces of healing protection and power in that place of prayer from the heart, so that one can filter out the darkness and look towards the light. The sun will rise again. “Hope in him, hold firm and take heart. Hope in the Lord” (Psalm 27:14).
