When have you felt the presence of God in your life — moving in you, touching you, acting in your life? - Daily Reflections July 16,2015

SHARING THE BURDEN

 

Henry Nouwen’s reflection in Life of the Beloved says that the power of darkness around us is so strong that the world finds it easier to manipulate self-rejecting people than the self-accepting ones. But when we keep listening attentively to the Voice calling us the Beloved, it becomes possible to live in our brokenness, not as a confirmation of our fear that we are worthless but as an opportunity to deepen the blessing that rests upon us.

       We live in a world filled with questions — painful questions sometimes. The sufferings of many move some to question their faith in God. It seems that our God is so silent. The 7.2-magnitude earthquake in Bohol on October 15, 2013 and the devastation brought about by the storm surge following super typhoon Yolanda’s wrath on November 8, 2013 in our country caused great anxiety and helplessness among our people. Truly, it is a heavy yoke! The pain created deep sadness and hopelessness. As we hear the cry of the people, we find that such situation is not easy to bear. We feel tired, discouraged, fed up.

       However, what was so amazing was that we experienced the solidarity of our people as we helped each other bear the yoke. Our hearts could not help but respond to the call to share what we have and who we are. We shared our material resources; we shared ourselves; we shared our hearts. We prayed together and we experienced God’s solidarity in our lives. He is one with us in our pain. God journeys with us — He is with us, loving us. His presence makes our yoke light.

       In those tragedies we have found great blessings because of His presence. Heavy burdens become light when they are lived in the spirit of blessings. Henry Nouwen says, “What seemed a reason for depression becomes a source of purification. What seemed punishment becomes a gentle pruning. What seemed rejection becomes a way for deeper communion. Such is a manifestation of God’s faithfulness to His covenant.” Fr. Alex Balatbat

 

REFLECTION QUESTION: When have you felt the presence of God in your life — moving in you, touching you, acting in your life?

 

Open our hearts, O Lord, that we may truly experience Your abiding presence. Help us to understand our sufferings the way You see them. In Your presence we experience joy.