Are we Built on Rock or Sand?

While I will be the first to admit that I don’t know the first thing about building houses, I know that one of the most important things is the foundation. In the Gospel today, Jesus is cautioning us to take care of the foundation of our faith. 

Foundations on houses aren’t pretty. They are not what catches our eye. Most often, they aren’t even visible. Usually, when we look at a home, we see the bells and whistles, not the foundation. The colors, door, décor, view, and landscaping all immediately catch our attention. It would seldom be that the first thing we see and comment on is the quality of the foundation. Perhaps the one exception is when it is evident that the foundation is failing.

We must continually examine and re-examine ourselves to make sure the foundation of our faith is being cared for diligently. It is not the flash of faith that will take us through the tough times, it is that deep down part that anchors our souls. Our parish motto makes this point. “It is not the building; it is the people.” We have a beautiful Church, but that building is not what makes us a healthy Catholic family. What makes us secure and will keep us healthy is our attention to the foundation of our faith. Our strength is our nurturing of our personal relationship with God in prayer, and the way we care for one another. 

This time when so many of us are separated, is a time when faith is tried and tested. Many of our parishioners are still unable to return to the Church for celebrations. Isolation is a killer of both faith and hope. We are all getting pandemic weary. And with no real end in sight, many people are slipping into extreme loneliness, sadness, and depression. Right now, these are the strong winds that are buffeting both our personal and communal faith. Now we find out if we are built on sand or on a rock.

At the beginning of the pandemic, we were very attentive to one another and how we could help each other. We must re-double our efforts now. 

The pandemic is the barrage of harsh winds on the faith and well-being of our members. Some of us are feeling week and vulnerable in faith. This is the time for us to step up and do something to bring hope to someone who may be losing it. This is the time to make sure everyone knows they are loved. 

Some suggestions for ways we can help:

• Cook or bake something and bring it to a neighbor or friend that you know doesn’t get out easily or often. Leave it on the porch or lanai if there is any possibility you will expose them.
• Give someone you know who is a caretaker for a parent or spouse, a break by covering for them so they can go out and do something for themselves or do nothing.
• Pick up the phone and call people to chat. Don’t rush off the phone, listen, and be patient.
• Send fresh flowers – there is no better way to lift spirits.
• Call someone you know who is alone and ask them to make a “honey-do” list. Then do it…. remembering to wear a mask and sterilize your hands often.
• Invite someone out for a walk in the fresh air…or push a wheelchair so the person can get outside.

Sometimes the rock foundation of our faith is found in the simple actions we take to help one another. 

Be careful, though, because constant action does not replace the need for personal prayer and relationship with God. You absolutely cannot give what you have not got. So, take care of your own prayer life and be attentive to God’s unquenchable love. Rest often in His arms of love. Let God care for you.

The storm of this pandemic rages on. We continue to personally and as a Church family be buffeted by its winds. Some have given up and become apathetic; others ignore its power, and others are still holding firm and putting Bandaids on the pain where they can.

We are stronger in every way together than we are alone. That includes our foundation in faith. Let’s make sure no one feels like they are out in this storm alone. 

And finally, let’s pray we recognize God’s presence among us today and everyday.

In God’s Unending Love,

Gwen