January 31

by David Lins  |  01/31/2021  |  (Being) Catholic Matters

I’m writing to you on Monday afternoon and mere feet from my desk, snow is collecting on cacti. Just when you thought the year couldn’t get any more bizarre.

I know we were hit with that freak snowstorm not that long ago, but really? This never ceases to amaze me.

I’m not even going to attempt to recount everything our community has been through in the past twelve months, but what a twelve months it has been! (For perspective, it feels like Fr. Michael Gaitley visited our parish about four years ago. It was less than a year ago.) April 30th was my tenth wedding anniversary and I was going to shock Maryrose. I’d bought cheap tickets to fly into and out of San Diego that day—complete with dinner overlooking the ocean. That didn’t happen. And it looks like our 11th won’t have many more options at the rate we are going.

The world still seems completely drunk and it isn’t sobering up any time soon.

But here is the thing: God is still in control.

In this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus comes up against a demon. Any guesses who won. Here’s a hint: God is still in control.

When we come up against fear, any guesses who we should run to? God is still in control.

When we come up against disappointment, any guesses who we can take it to? God is still in control.

When I need to drive home to Tempe in snow with nothing but a two wheel drive sedan, who can I pray to? God is still in control.

My friends. We have nothing to fear. God knows what He has planned for us. And in the end? It is nothing short of heavenly.

Questions? Comments? Email David at dlins@oloj.org.