The world has never been at a better place. In terms of material comforts, and through technological innovations, tomorrow will get even better. In this aspect the world can never go backwards. We acknowledge and pray for the many peoples and parts of this world that have yet to experience this. Within ourselves we can question a parallel disparity; have our emotional and spiritual-self kept up?

Material comforts and technological innovations cannot progress us in our emotional and spiritual needs. The needs as a human person is a reality unchanged by external factors. It does not prevent us from being hurt by others. It does not stop relationships from breaking up. It has no medicine against illness, not an elixir against death. It definitely cannot be a substitute for the balm of love which every human person thrive on.

“There are many who are behaving as the enemies of the cross of Christ. They are destined to be lost. They make foods into their god and they are proudest of something they ought to think shameful; the things they think important are earthly things.” (Today’s second reading)

As our earthly world progress each day, faith and religion, any for that matter, seem to have been left behind. There is an ever-widening chasm between the secular world and our faith life. The “importance of earthly things” breeds a disbelief in God. God will be kept at a distance, even ridiculed, as long as our earth remains merry and comfortable. In this chasm, we “are destined to be lost”.

We will not realize that we are lost until a crisis comes along. It is no mystery in life that many things and many people can, and will, let us down. It can simply come about from a serious health issue when suddenly life falls into perspective and the value of earthly things quickly diminishes. It can come from relationship issues generating hurt and anguish which no amount of earthly things can soothe. It will feel like we are running on empty, unable to carry on. Without a belief in God, we are lost.

The love of God is the only constant in an ever changing world. This unconditional love mean that God will never abandon us, even if we choose to abandon him. For many of us who have left the Church but have somehow found a way back, this has been the greatest revelation.

Our God is a faithful God. When our fuel tank is completely empty and we cannot journey on anymore, we are forced to a stop. We will then realize that He has been there all along, faithfully waiting with mercy and compassion. Down and out we search no longer for earthly things but for this balm of love. Without belief to see Him, He first appear for us in the form of hope. Like a rope we cling to hope allowing it to pull us out of this chasm.

Through the clouds of doubt, we hear a voice saying, “This is my Son, the Chosen One. Listen to him”. (Today’s Gospel). Who will we listen to if we stop believing in God?

 

Second Sunday of Lent