April 16/Tuesday of Holy Week
For you are my hope, LORD God, my trust from my youth. ~ Ps 71.5
As I approach my (big number here) high school reunion, I have been thinking about the power and the blessing of longtime friendships. Something about a conversation with someone who has known me for decades — a grade-school friend with whom I regularly played Kick the Can or Foursquare in the neighborhood, a college chum who helped me anatomize a difficult breakup or weigh options for future jobs — brings immense comfort. Even if we have drifted away for a few years in the course of raising families, pursuing careers, dealing with whatever life brings us, such people remain companions along the way. They cheer us on, draw us up short when we need it, and serve as an abiding, grounding presence. How much more is this true, for those of us fortunate enough to have been raised in some kind of faith environment, for our relationship with God. Whether we imbibed that living water at a religious summer camp, in a youth group, or simply through the regular practice of attending church with family, we are blessed by the abiding, grounding presence of God, even when we drift away. The continuity of a lifelong relationship with our LORD is the pearl of great price that should be treasured above all things. Our children have grown up in a culture that too often prizes what is convenient over what is good or true. As parents and “elders,” we are called to share our own hope in God, to witness to the challenges and joys of a life of faith. It is never too late to share the blessings we have in the LORD.
Loving LORD, I give thanks this day for the gift of faith, and pray that I may use it to build your kingdom. Amen.
For today’s readings, click here: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/041619.cfm
