Dear Friends,

Jesus tells us today: "By your endurance you will gain your souls." Endurance, standing firm, staying with it, staying true, steadfastness, faithfulness - these qualities will help us to gain our souls, gain our lives, have life, win the true life of our souls, be saved.

 

We've all had experiences where we have given up and later regretted it. Looking back we know that if we had persevered we would have gained something valuable - a job, a new skill, better health - perhaps even a new friend or a marriage partner. But we let go too soon. We don't have to look too far to see remarkable examples of people who did not give up. By perseverance, they gained what they were hoping for.

 

What helps us to endure life and all the cruelty and craziness we find in the world today? Not ignorance, nor denial. Not pessimism nor cynicism. But faith in a God who remains faithful to us. We can't afford to let our faith and our commitment weaken.

 

When times are difficult, there is a great need for Christians to remain steadfast and to continue giving witness to the values that Jesus came to share with us. Forgiveness, tolerance and mercy are all needed today. Not revenge and more violence. We have witnessed many changes in our times. The world seems a more fearful place to live in, and the temptation is to live in fear and give into a mentality that sees everyone as our enemy until they can prove themselves otherwise. But God's love does not change; and our response to that love should not change. May our faithful God help you to remain faithful to God and to each other.

 

                                                                        Fr. John Vella