This is the best September of my
life. It’s the first time since
1987 that I haven’t gone back to school.
I’ve been sure to remind some of our seminarians of this and have made a
few calls saying, “Just thought you should know I’m a priest now…and I’m not at
seminary!”
Yet I have to admit that in late
June or early July when the back to school advertisements came out, my heart
skipped a beat. A couple of weeks
ago I had a dream that my graduation requirements for seminary hadn’t been met
and that I would have to take a couple of classes as a priest. This was actually more of a
nightmare. I still have periodic
dreams that I missed an assignment or hadn’t been going to a class I was supposed
to for half of the semester.
The fact is, we all face anxiety in
our lives. This could be about our
marriage, finances, health, or performing in academics and sports. At a normal level anxiety is a good
thing. Excitement gives us
adrenaline which helps us focus and perform well. Yet some of us have anxiety at a more serious level which
might need to be looked at by a doctor.
And if this is you, I encourage you to think of your brain like you
would other body parts. If
something is wrong with your heart, arm or ankle, we get it checked out so it
may get better. For some people,
their brains at a physiological level misfires and causes more serious anxiety.
Either way, all of us face anxiety
and there is one answer to these worries and fears—the peace of Christ. Listen again to the words of the
prophet Isaiah: “Thus says the LORD: Say to those whose hearts are
frightened: Be strong, fear not!
Here is your God, he comes with vindication; with divine recompense he comes to save you.” In our Gospel, after hearing a deaf man
the crowds in amazement exclaimed, “He has done all things well.” This same God, this same Jesus, does
all things well and is even present amidst our anxieties and fears.
One of the greatest homilies
I heard at seminary dealt with anxiety.
Specifically, our rector talked about the worries around academics which
are common for seminarians. He
gave two pieces of advice in approaching such worries. First, “remember to breathe.” At a physiological level, when we get
nervous our tendency is to breathe rapidly and shallowly. This only tightens us up and results in
more anxiety. In the face of
pressure situations it is extremely helpful to take a few deep breaths and try
to relax.
We also must remember to
breathe spiritually. Breathe in
the love of God. Breathe in His
Word. Exhale with prayer from your
heart, sometimes simply groaning like Jesus did today. Indeed, the Spirit prays through us
with sighs too deep for words. So
remember to breathe.
He also told us, “Fellas,
remember. BIG Jesus. Little
test. BIG Jesus. Little
paper.” We can fill in the blank
for our own lives. “BIG
Jesus. Little financial
difficulty. BIG Jesus. Little fight with our spouse.”
As we come to Mass today,
rest in the peace of Christ. This
should be the most peaceful experience of your week and we frequently refer to
this peace throughout Mass. “Peace
be with you.” “Glory to God in the
highest and on earth peace to people of good will.” After the Lord’s Prayer, the priest prays, “Deliver
us, Lord, we pray, from every evil, graciously
grant peace in our days, that by the help of your mercy, we may be always
free from sin and safe from all distress…” We then exchange a sign of peace. This isn’t half-time of Mass. This isn’t a simple “Hey, how are ya?”
but a true sign that you wish the peace only Christ can give to be with your
loved ones and those you sit with at Mass.
Today at Mass, be at peace and
carry this peace with you throughout the week. Cast all your cares on Him, because He cares for you. Take up Christ’s burden which is easy
and light and experience His rest.
My brothers and sisters, peace be
with you.
No comments:
Post a Comment