Reflections for Sunday
Thirty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time - November 16, 2003
I Am Never Alone
The world is a fearful place, but I am not afraid because the Lord is with me.
From the moment the Lord touched me with his creative hand and enkindled the spark of life in me, he has been with me. Long before I knew his name, or saw the signs of his power in the world, or felt his love, he watched over me as a Father. He was filled with delight as I grew to be a man. He saw his handiwork in me, and pronounced it good.
Even when I had come to know him, and yet turned away from him again and again, he kept me in his loving care. At unexpected times, even in moments of darkness and sin, I feel the touch of his hand. Even now he looks upon me with all my failings, and delights in the beauty of what he has created. Nothing I can do, not even my most grievous sin, will cause him to forsake me.
How could I think of turning away from the Lord who loves me with such steadfast love? How could I think that I might make my own way in the world apart from him? How could I think that he is absent, and that I could do well enough without him?
Without the Lord I am nothing, not even a fragment of a man. Without him I am lost in the world, and I have no hope of finding my way to fulfillment and peace. The Lord alone can show me the way to eternal life. He alone can give me lasting peace. I will walk with him in faith, without fear of any peril, and my heart will be filled with joy, because he is at my side.
Lord, in the safety of your loving hand my soul is at peace. I do not fear evil, because you have assured me that your love will protect me and lead me to you. Keep me safe from harm and free from sin. And when my earthly journey is finished, bring me at last to the joy of seeing you in heaven.