Today, we hear the prophet Jeremiah’s response to God building him up to go out on mission. Jeremiah says, “Ah, Lord God! I know not how to speak; I am too young.” Those last words, “I am too young,” are what most of us have said when we didn’t think we could do something, whether we were referring to chronological age, or experience, or even talent level.
But it’s interesting to consider what we feel too young to handle. On one hand I can remember trying to convince my parents to let me drive a go-cart at a carnival at the age of seven but then not feeling prepared to be the lector in fourth grade at St. Ann’s school. Miss Morgan ultimately convinced me, and like Jeremiah, I found that God gave me the voice to use as I nervously approached the pulpit.
Yesterday, I had the privilege of concelebrating a beautiful funeral Mass for a good family friend, Mr. Tom Lohan. The presider was Father Nichols, who had, incredibly, celebrated the wedding Mass for Tom and Mary Lohan over 60 years ago.
Father Nichols is now in his late 80s, but back in 1963, he was a new priest when he witnessed Tom and Mary make their vows to one another in union with God. That day began a lifelong friendship. Tom, Mary, and Father Nichols were all once young, but like Jeremiah, they believed that God would lead them through the upcoming chapters of their lives … and He did.
A Foundation of Faith
Father Nichols spoke of the foundation of Tom and Mary’s life being their faith in God. It was a faith that they shared first as husband and wife and then with each of their six children and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Father Nichols highlighted Tom’s commitment to doing things the right way: being a loving husband, family man, and friend … all of which emanated from his belief in God’s presence in his life.
Seeing and hearing Father Nichols in St. Theresa’s church in West Roxbury was inspirational.
To recognize how even in our youth, when we feel ill-prepared and wonder how things will turn out, that God gives us the courage and direction, the words and perseverance, to face the different challenges in our lives; to make it to the final chapters on earth, fulfilling our baptismal promises to God, and for husbands and wives, to God and one another.
Caring for the Soil
In Matthew’s gospel, Jesus reminds us that God is always sowing the seeds of faith, but we need to care for the soil on which the seed makes contact. We need to be vigilant and care for the state of our souls, clearing metaphorical weeds, stones, and thorns that can prevent the Word of God and Sacraments from fully bearing fruit in our lives.
My friend, Father Bill Lohan, shared that during the pandemic when he stayed with his parents, he could hear them in their bedroom each night praying the Rosary. Long after their adult children had left home, Tom and Mary continued to prepare their souls each night as husband and wife to one day meet God by praying together for one another, their family, and friends.
They learned at a young age what all people of faith discover: that God provides, even when we feel that we are too young or do not know what to say. God will always provide, if we just place our trust in Him.
May we always turn to God in faith, no matter our age.
- Father David's inspirational homily was recorded live during Mass at the Father Peyton Center this morning. You can view the Mass (and Rosary) at the 30-minute mark on the Family Rosary YouTube page.
- To join the Rosary and Mass Livestream, visit the Family Rosary YouTube or Facebook page at 11:30 a.m. Eastern, Monday – Friday. Consider inviting others to join too! (*If you are not a member of Facebook and a signup window appears, simply select the X at the top of the pop-up message and continue to the livestream.)
