Standing Firm
Lynne Elwinger, O.C.D.
Troubled times are upon us. In many facets of our lives today, we find chaos and uncertainty, and about the only control we have over the situations in which we find ourselves is the choice of our attitude toward them. Do we give in to the growing climate of fear, anxiety and hopelessness around us, or, do we do what we can do for ourselves and others, and then stand firm in our trust in God?
Our two October Saints, Teresa and Therese give us some wonderful models for holding to our course no matter what is happening around us or to us. St. Teresa certainly faced her share of upheaval, chaos and unrest in her society and in the church. With the Inquisition always casting a shadow over her life and writings, she could have allowed that to defeat her. Instead, she chose to remain true to her calling, despite the difficulties.
The Little Way
St. Therese dealt with significant health problems and many other obstacles and yet she did not let that deter her from standing firm. Out of her experience and prayer came her development of what is now called The Little Way. She tells us that we go as far as we can go and then
God brings us the rest of the way. Always. Both St. Teresa and St. Therese saw the good around them in the midst of dark days.
God wants only the best for us, for all people, and for the creation as a whole. When we decide to choose to pray for and picture a better world – with peace and justice and enough basic resources for all peoples and respect for our planet – we join our small energies for good with God’s desire. In the process, we feel better ourselves. That spreads to all around us, lifting their spirits as well. Our God is not a fair-weather friend who disappears when times are tough! We are not promised a smooth path, but we are promised a companion who never deserts us along the way. We cannot always be aware of that Divine Presence, but everything in the history of the People of God indicates God’s constant faithfulness throughout the ages.
Our Call Today
I believe that our call today, then, is to trust God, to look for the countless little positive things of each day, and to live with an attitude of gratitude. While many old systems are breaking down, something new is also being born. We can’t yet see what forms the new will take, but we can be assured that our God, who always desires good for this world, is present within them. We can trust and hope, and with our Sts. Teresa and Therese, we can stand firm.___
"Patience attains all that it strives for."
Sr. Lynne Thérèse Elwinger of the Resurrection O.C.D.