April 6, 2018 at 1:53 p.m.
PERSPECTIVE
Choosing to use faith
This is a choice we make every day. It's easy to be faithful in good times, but what about the rough times?
I have been very concerned lately about my Church. I worry about Bishop Howard J. Hubbard's pending retirement in 2013. I wonder how we will be able to go on without the kind, gentle spirit and loving attitude that has been the hallmark of his leadership.
What also bothers me are some of the things that have been coming from the very top of our Church. When things are challenging, it is often my first impulse to retreat and find something better.
I have learned, however, that sometimes, in order for myself and others to grow, it is necessary to stay the course. If I put action into my faith, God has an opportunity to reveal Himself to us.
I have a close relative who has very serious addiction problems. What saddens me most is the amount of constant pain in which she lives. Self-loathing, rock-bottom self-esteem, anger and fear fill the void where love and faith don't seem to exist for her.
Keeping faith in God and sharing my love with her are all I can do. Perhaps, if we all share some love, we might help others to fill their voids, too.
My mother-in-law has taught me about faith by example. She has not always agreed with the many changes she's seen in the Church over the decades, but she has always remained a faithful member of it. Her faith is deep and personal, a special bond between her and God.
The way she expresses it at Mass fulfills her and glorifies God, regardless of what else is happening in the world. It doesn't make sense to her to stop coming to church because she disagreed with it or because she was angry. Her example of living her faith through her actions sustains me now, and it gives me hope.
Disagreeing with the Church, fearing the unknown future, loving an addict from a safe distance - all of these worries can be alleviated by watching the examples of faith in others, and by remembering we can choose to use the gift of faith that God gives to all of us!
(Mr. Oill is a parishioner of St. Vincent de Paul Church in Albany. He is on its pastoral council, is a lector and eucharistic minister, and has taught faith formation and served as a mentor for the confirmation program.)[[In-content Ad]]
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