Numerous people came to Jesus seeking help with a variety of problems. There were the blind, the crippled and the sick. Others were dejected by a death in their family. Most likely those troubled individuals, wanting healings and solutions, didn’t imagine that Jesus himself might be facing deeply troubling thoughts. I would think that even in his most relaxed and pleasant times the future images of thorns, whips, nails and a blood-stained cross would be nearly impossible for him to ignore. Yet, prior to his passion time, we often envision Jesus having a calm inner spirit, free from anxiety.
When we suffer from some difficult or painful situations, we may think others are much happier than we are. God has issued no license to anyone on earth to possess complete and perpetual contentment and euphoria. With some delights, there will be some sorrows. Thus: “A trouble shared is half a trouble; a joy shared is a joy made double.” We can and should minister to each other.
As a resident of Baltimore I am praying for and asking for prayers for all of our elected officials and rescue workers who are tirelessly working to save lives in the aftermath of this tragedy.
You saw in the super hero movies where the super hero will fly to the site of imminent danger and redirect the danger!!! *** The “mayday” call alerted the authority who stopped vehicles from entering the bridge. You can see in the recorded video that there were many vehicles traveling on the bridge from the camera side a few seconds before the impact. Then there was no vehicle traveling on the bridge at impact! *** Who is the superhero in this incident? I know Who ❤️ *** I also realize that God will let us drift even when we are headed to a bridge :-( ******* Where is God for these 6 people who are still lost? Why were the 2 people rescued? How about all the people drove on the bridge right before the impact seemingly missing the accident and all the people stopped from entering the bridge by the authority avoiding the accident? What do think about God’s sovereignty? Are all accidents accidents??? *** I pray in Proverbs 16:9, “We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps!”
Mary Beth and Jane I will pray for you and your friends. The Key bridge collapse is such a tragedy. I heard the workers prevented a bigger problem by stopping drivers entering. Ken
Many prayers go out to all those affected by the devastating tragedy in Baltimore. Let us come together and share our heartfelt thoughts and asking Our Lord Jesus to give them hope and help during this difficult period
A very insightful reflection, Fr. McKarns. Your comment "Yet, prior to his passion time, we often envision Jesus having a calm inner spirit, free from anxiety" makes me feel Jesus felt that calm because He knew where He was ultimately going. I pray that we can all experience that degree of comfort in knowing where we are going too, with our faith, love and commitment to the Lord. Continued uplifting prayers and a beautiful Holy Week Tuesday. Sandy
Fr. James thank you for those words to comfort us. I hope the comfort and joy they give us is returned to you and then some. Not only did I reflect on personal emotions but recalled a few weeks ago when my husband made a comment that broke my heart at church. He was very upset that the priest didn't stay long enough for him to say hi to the priest. My heart ached when I thought about all the people that turn to that priest everyday. Not everyone realizes that they don't just say mass. I pray for all priests to find comfort and peace for not only others but for themselves. Thank you to all priests and may your burden be light and life be peaceful. Thank you Fr. James for all you do. Blessings LFF. Extra prayers for those with struggles these days and may we all share Gods love throughout the world.
I sometimes feel like we hit the jackpot at our parish. Our pastor, who was assigned to us at the end of 2019, is always standing in the narthex before and after masses (even if he isn’t the celebrant) greeting and talking with the people. I have enjoyed celebrating reconciliation with him as well, he’s been a great spiritual advisor. Every priest is different and we have to give them some slack. They’re stretched pretty thin these days.
Stormy I too love to speak to priest on the way out of Mass. Unfortunately in our area we have few priests serving many parishes. The go from one to another in the same day. Forecasts tell us we will have 62 priest for the entire western New York area. Ken
Amen! Fr. James, your words always hit home. Thank you...
*** Jesus is fully God and fully man in Philippians 2:6-8, “In His very nature He was God. Jesus was equal with God. But Jesus didn’t take advantage of that fact. Instead, He made Himself nothing. He did this by taking on the nature of a servant. He was made just like human beings. He appeared as a man. He was humble and obeyed God completely. He did this even though it led to His death.Even worse, He died on a cross!” *** Being a human being is hard enough, I can’t imagine being both God and human…the conflict between ‘I can’ of being God and ‘I won’t’ of being an obedient servant must be very difficult! *** Hebrews 4:14-16, “We have a great High Priest. He has gone up into heaven. He is Jesus the Son of God. So let us hold firmly to what we say we believe. We have a High Priest Who can feel it when we are weak and hurting. We have a High Priest Who has been tempted in every way, just as we are. But He did not sin. So let us boldly approach God’s throne of grace. Then we will receive mercy. We will find grace to help us when we need it!” ******* 2 Corinthians 1:3-4, “Give praise to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! He is the Father Who gives tender love. All comfort comes from Him. He comforts us in all our troubles. Now we can comfort others when they are in trouble. We ourselves receive comfort from God!” *** There is nothing I went through, am going through and will go through that Jesus doesn’t understand! I receive peace and comfort from the Lord during these difficult times so I can comfort others who go through the same! My golden rule in 1 Thessalonians 2:8, “We loved you so much that we shared with you not only God’s Good News but our own lives, too!”
Fr. James, I love this and it was so needed today. “ A trouble shared is half a trouble; a joy shared is a joy made double.” We can and should minister to each other.“. I was just texting with my friend who is one of the few female ship pilots in the US. She works in the Baltimore Ship Channel and left the port 4 hours before the Key Bridge Collapse. She is so distraught. God please help all those who are injured, traumatized or on their way to your Kingdom in this accident. Send them light and hope. Thank you all for the prayers for Andy and Karen! Andy’s surgery was successful! Lifting the Holy Father in prayer during this Holy Week. Amen.
Good to hear that Andy’s surgery was successful! Continued prayers for Karen. How difficult it must be for your friend Jane, and all those connected with the bridge collapse. Dear Lord and Blessed Mother, please help them through this storm.
Jane I am so glad the surgery for Andy went well. Prayers for all those affect by the fallen bridge and continued prayers for Karen.
Lord please hear our prayers and bring your light to all those suffering in Baltimore with the Bridge collapse, Haiti, the Middle East, Ukraine, Russia, the Sudan, and all those suffering around the world - also for their strength, courage and resilience to continue walking in faith. Send them your light. Father in Heaven, have mercy on us and on the whole world! You sent Your Son, the Prince of Peace, for the salvation of the world. We pray that the Peace of Christ will reign in Haiti, the Middle East, Ukraine, Russia and Sudan. Please protect and send aid to those in need and all who are at-risk. We pray for peace and rebuilding– we who are working towards it and for all those who are suffering or in danger from conflicts. We pray for an end to violence and war – we pray for wisdom for all leaders who have a hand in this. Lord God please help those in most need of thy mercy. Amen.
Profound and beautiful reflection. Thank you, Father James!
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What a beautiful reflection, Father James! Thank you so much for your kind life of dedication to all God’s people. I will remember your quote whenever I am down and immediately think of sharing something joyful with a family member or friend. Thank you for carrying out the Love and Mercy of Our Lord Jesus to all who are suffering and in need of comfort and compassion.