February 16, 2025 English

Often, things are not what they seem. We know the duality and complexity of reality and our daily experiences. We give our best effort in our important endeavors, and we do that with intensity and focus on our professional or personal projects. This is admirable. Yet, we realize that the things of this earthly life are passing. We accept that our achievements and satisfactions are momentary and passing.
 
Despite our acute awareness of our current existence's transient and provisional nature, we are not lured to nihilism or skepticism because what we do and how we live has ramifications for our eternal future. So, we learn to have a proper perspective. We are in the world, but we do not belong to this world. Without the assurance of our Lord of heaven and earth, the source and the goal of existence, we can be lost in the vast expanses of the universe. Without a meaningful relationship with our Creator, we may wander in the barren spiritual wasteland. Knowing the origin of existence and the destination of our journey, we have a reason to give our best in what we endeavor to do. After all, we have citizenship in heaven.
Jeremiah invites us not to be blind to the very axis of our being while pointing out the futility of our sole reliance on human abilities. His language is direct and stern but true and valuable: “Cursed is the one who trusts in human beings … whose heart turns away from the LORD. He is like a barren bush in the desert… Blessed is the one who trusts in the LORD, whose hope is the LORD. He is like a tree planted beside the waters stretching its roots to the stream” (17).
 
Jesus clearly shows us the way to true happiness while warning us not to be lured to the path of an eventual downfall. Current success and happiness, as well as today's failure and mistreatment, are not necessarily obvious indicators of what is to come. Complacency without any direction is dangerous.
February 11 is the feast of Our Lady of Lourdes, honoring St. Bernadette Soubirous. An uneducated and sickly girl from a poor family in the boondocks of France was chosen to convey the message of God. Millions of pilgrims visit the grotto every year. The message and the pilgrimage help people to properly root their lives in the vivacious stream of life. God’s loving mercy and healing continue in that enchanted village on the foothills of the Pyrenees.
 
“Blessed are you when people hate you, and when they exclude and insult you, and denounce your name as evil on account of the Son of Man. Rejoice and leap for joy on that day! Behold, your reward will be great in heaven” (Luke 6:22-23). Scripture reminds us of the inevitable reversal of fortunes today while also assuring us that NOW is a perfect time to change our outlook and lifestyle to be on the right path. It’s never too early or too late. We have such a marvelous safety net: our faith community, the support and prayer of each other and many other saints, and, of course, the sacraments to form and reform us in our pilgrimage. Let’s take a moment to give thanks to God and our brothers and sisters in the Lord across time and space.
 
Fr. Paul D. Lee