Psalm 62: “In you alone is my soul at rest. My help comes from You.”

Two pivots of our faith -- as well as that of the Jews -- are one, the fact of God's loving care for us and, two, recalling that in a ritual celebration. The latter in the case of Christians is the Eucharist; in the case of Jews, the Passover feast. As God prepared Moses for his role in the deliverance of the Israelites from slavery, God said: "I am concerned about you and about the way you are being treated; so I have decided to lead you up out of the misery" (Exodus 3:16).

Jesus is our Moses, the one who delivers us from slavery and misery. "Come to me, all you who are weary and find life burdensome, and I will refresh you" (Matt 11:28).

We recall this invitation at the table of the Lord's Supper: "Do this in memory of me." Clearly, simply taking part in the Eucharist does not guarantee the end of cancer, the lifting of depression, the settling of family feuding, an end to unfaithfulness. On the other hand, it is clear from Scripture that God is concerned about our problems.

Isn't it related to the fact that God is only able to work in us when we are receptive? Or if we expect something from God? Why can't we trust in God's help while we also call the doctor, consult the therapist, see the financial consultant, and work hard at overcoming our difficulties? God ordinarily works through us, through human beings.

Psalm 27: “I believe I shall see the Lord’s goodness / in the land of the living.

Wait for the Lord; be strong; / be stouthearted, and wait for the Lord!”

Reply to Fr. Don at: DTalafous@csbsju.edu

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