Homily, October 19, 2025
From The Pastor
The temptation in times of trouble is to close in, circle the wagons, and put up our best defenses. Whether the problem is large or small, personal, social, national, or global, there is an inclination to solve problems on our own. This is rarely the best course of action on several levels.
To close in on oneself can lead to fear, doubt, increased worry, and a sense of being alone. Depending on the nature of the problem, mistrust can grow towards oneself or others creating suspicion, judgement, or fear of a poor outcome. Separation builds and a sense of isolation deepens.
As people of faith, we are blest not only with the promise and providence of God’s care, but also with the love and support of the faith community. I am not sure if we take advantage of the power and the strength of community in times of trouble. I am drawn to look back a couple of weeks to the Prophet Habakkuk when he pleaded to the Lord in a time of great violence and social disorder. On his own, he felt no hearing before the Lord and complained to God for a response. Opening his heart to the Lord in the weight of his distress, a response finally comes. But it was not for the Prophet alone, it was for all the people who suffered the social ills that surrounded them.
The word of the Lord to Habakkuk is worth recalling again today. In difficult times, humans quickly grow fearful and impatient. The Lord gives Habakkuk a vision, then tells him to write it down plainly so it could be easily read and understood. Seeing the message is itself a consolation for those in trouble with no sense of resolution in sight. The message is one of hope, patience, and promise grounded in the reality of time and circumstance.
God knows there is and will be grave troubles in this wounded world. Difficult and generational problems will not disappear overnight. The message comes: ‘Write down the vision clearly…so that one can read it readily. For the vision still has its time, it presses on to fulfillment, and will not disappoint; if it delays, wait for it, it will surely come, it will not be late.’
This is a powerful word of hope for our time in both the Church and the world. There are no quick or easy answers to the changing times we are living through. Take note of the message and be clear of its intent. God has a vision and fulfillment for the Church and the world. Even from the time of Habakkuk to our day, the vision moves toward its fulfillment. The vision is Jesus, Christ and Lord, dying and rising to heal, reconcile, redeem, and unite all humanity in God. All those who seek the truth of love, goodness, and justice will know its fruits. Even God must be patient and wait for the day of fulfillment. Faith is not a fairy tale. Personally and collectively, we are all on the same journey to the same heaven. The challenge is to realize we are called to love, serve, and carry one another along the way that none be left behind. Nobody comes to God on their own. Nobody.
Moses is the Christ figure of the Old Testament. During a battle, Moses supports his army by raising his arms in prayer. He tires as the day wears on. Aaron and Hur must help Moses by having him sit while they hold up his arms. Doing so, Israel wins the day and the Israelites can continue their journey. Moses willingly accepts the help he needs and God’s way is fulfilled.
The widow makes her problem public as she pesters the judge to rule in her favor. She surrenders to her dependence on God through persistent prayer and lively action. The judge gives in lest she brings him to harm.
Too often we try to shoulder our problems alone. Even Jesus accepted help in carrying his Cross. The temptation of self-sufficiency is the work of the evil one because we are tempted to trust ourselves without the help of others. This is not the Christian way because it leads to pride, stubbornness of heart, or the illusion that I can or should solve my problems on my own.
There is no doubt that personal prayer is powerful and indispensable in the Christian life. It is equally true that community prayer is a tremendous source of strength and hope. People continually share with me their concerns or problems. I pray for their need, and I bring them to the altar and put them in the cup of the Lord’s Precious Blood. The prayer is infinitely magnified. We are praying for Michele Waskowski to find a kidney donor. She willingly gave me permission to use her name and seek your prayerful support. No kidney yet, but I am not giving up hope.
I long remember an image used by the mother of Isaiah Thomas who grew up on the streets of Chicago. She said, “one matchstick is easy to break; many matchsticks very hard to break.’ She encouraged him to depend on a strong group of friends. In Christ, we are that group. Trust others and not only yourself. Let God love you. Let others help you. You help others. We will all be better for it.
Father John Esper
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