We are the Body of Christ. We are his body and blood. We are his hands, his feet, his eyes and ears, his limbs, and his lips. We are his Body on earth. But, sadly, the Body of Christ is hurting right now. A global pandemic is creating human carnage, and economic havoc across the nations of the world. Demonstrations flood our streets seeking equality for our neighbours of different colour. Unfair judgement, not justice, has sadly often defined society’s response. An opioid crisis haunts our urban centres. Drugs and alcohol dependency is ravaging the promise of untold lives, young and old, from coast to coast. Many yearn for what we had, to go back to normal when it was easier. But was it? Weren’t there complaints about not enough time for family; working long, arduous hours, and never realizing the dreams we had when we were young? There are also those who desire what society tells us will bring true happiness: good health, wealth, good looks, education, prestige, unbridled pleasure, and popularity. In 1897, the American writer, Edwin Arlington Robinson, wrote a narrative poem about a man named, ‘Richard Cory’, who was and had all of these things: Whenever Richard Cory went down town, We people on the pavement looked at him: He was a gentleman from sole to crown, Clean favored, and imperially slim. And he was always quietly arrayed, And he was always human when he talked; But still he fluttered pulses when he said, "Good-morning," and he glittered when he walked. And he was rich—yes, richer than a king-- And admirably schooled in every grace: In fine, we thought that he was everything To make us wish that we were in his place. So on we worked, and waited for the light, And went without the meat, and cursed the bread; And Richard Cory, one calm summer night, Went home and put a bullet through his head.” – Richard Cory, E. A. Robinson The timeless story is still so alive in public consciousness, that in 1966, Simon and Garfunkel set the theme to music on their album, ‘Sounds of Silence’: “But I work in his factory, and I curse my poverty, and I wish that I could be, Richard Cory.” Drugs and alcohol will not solve our depressions, anxiety, nor urgent need for love. Nor will a vaccine ultimately restore us to perfect health, security, and safety. Something else will be needed as well as sincere will and desire for racial justice. And all the normalcy we may desire will Not bring us peace and happiness. So, what is the true ‘Bridge Over our Troubled Water’? It is something found in the ‘Sounds of Silence’. There is a light in us which pierces the darkness around us. It stills fear and panic, it abates anger, and quiets the mind: meditation with God. It was while sitting in meditative silence that Albert Einstein said he was given the formula, E=mc2; in silence the iPhone was revealed to Steve Jobs; Richard Tesla said all the secrets of the universe were accessible from the “one source” in silent contemplation. Who is this ‘One Source’? The Sisters of the Carmel will tell you, “Of course, it is God … within us.” How do they pray? A sister once told Jean Vanier who asked her that it is so simple: “I sit and I wait.” Seek relationship thru silent meditation with God. When the thoughts come, don’t push them away; simply acknowledge them, and then say, “Peace be with you” or “Maranatha”. There is no effort on our part except to “sit and wait”. Then, with a nourished inner self, go forth, and love, support, help our neighbour. That was Christ’s call to us. It is so simple – challenging, yes, but it is simply love. Paul tells us, “We, who are many, are one body.” But if we don’t ask for God’s help and build relationship with him, if we don’t love and care for the eyes and ears, hands and feet, hearts and minds of each other, without judgement or demands, we, the Body of Christ on earth, will be lost in a wilderness we’ve created for ourselves. “Teacher, which commandment in the law is the greatest?” [Jesus] said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and mind.’ This is the greatest and 1st commandment. A second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments hang all the law and prophets.” – Matt 22.36-40. There is so much we do not, or cannot, understand in this world. Christ’s two simple commandments are the ultimate answer to all of our problems. Rev Fr Christopher Tracey, Pastor Saint Joseph Roman Catholic Parish Saugeen Shores, Ontario
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Father's Blog
Rev. Fr. Christopher Tracey
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