If God is For Us – Weekly Message for August 4, 2015

Dear Friends in Christ,

Occasionally Ask a Priest receives a spate of emails that indicate a special concern about world events. Just such a group of emails arrived in the wake of the U.S. Supreme Court decision on same-sex marriage.

One mom wrote, “I have been experiencing sadness, confusion and anger. Basically, I have been grappling with trying to make sense of it all …” Other e-mails reflected a fear that an ominous threshold had been crossed.

The full impact of the court decision is not to be underestimated. And yet we can draw some hope from history. The early Church struggled with opposition, not least from the powerful Roman Empire.

Rome itself seethed with political intrigue, pagan temples and nasty forms of entertainment. Yet, the Christians persevered and turn the city into the recognized center of the Church. That should remind us that Our Lord is ultimately the one in charge. He protects his own.

August brings another reminder of his providence: the solemnity of the Assumption. God who so loved the Blessed Virgin Mary raised her heavenward and protected her from the slightest taint of bodily corruption when she completed her life on earth.

Likewise, our Lord Jesus will not forget to protect his mystical body, the Church. Although the Church might be unpopular for its defense of traditional marriage and family life, it need not fear the world. “If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31).

For the faithful and all people of good will who want to stay loyal to the ways of Our Lord, the RC Spirituality team will try our best to offer help. And for those who help us with their prayers and financial support, we are most grateful.

I wish all our readers a joyful solemnity of the Assumption. I also invite you to discover our newest Retreat Guide: “God Is Faithful,” which focuses on Mary’s assumption into heaven.

Fr Edward McIlmail, LC
Ask a Priest contributor
askapriest@rcspirituality.org