Dear Parishioners,
Growing up, one of the best memories I had with my family was putting Jigsaw Puzzles together. From our experience, it could be very challenging. Every time, it seemed like there was an odd piece that didn’t fit anywhere. Just like life, sometimes things don’t fit. They are the “odd” pieces. Like suffering and problems. Why?
In the Bible, prominent characters had “odd pieces.” And that seemed to be the trend.
- Noah had to build an ark on dry land.
- Abraham had no kids till he was an old man.
- Moses killed an Egyptian and went into exile.
- Joseph was sold as a slave and thrown into prison.
- Samuel had rebellious sons.
- David ran away because King Saul wanted to kill him.
- Jeremiah was too young.
- Peter was a coward.
- James and John had temper problems.
If you look at the Catholic Saints, each one of them went through enormous suffering — their “odd piece of the puzzle.” St. Paul in his letter to the Romans said: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose,” (Romans 28:8). God worked all things for their good — and for the good of everyone. These people who suffered became a blessing to others through their own suffering.
Someone made a good analogy: “Christianity is not a walk in the park.” Ironically, pain and suffering are essential components to build character. It’s the difference between winning a competition by beating your opponent and winning because he didn’t show up.
I always love this prayer: “Lord, comfort me when I get disturbed. Disturb me when I get too comfortable.”
Sincerely in Christ,
Father Lito