God is With Us - Weekday Homily Video

The words from Zechariah, “God is with us,” are a great reminder of the reality of God’s presence, making me think of Saturday’s veneration of St. Andre Bessette’s heart, a poignant meditation by Father Jomon during Eucharistic Adoration, and culminating with a beautiful Healing Mass. From where I stood, it was an amazing sight. People of all ages, nationalities, and parishes united in heart-felt prayer for their loved ones and themselves.

God’s universal offer of love and healing was strikingly present in St. Joseph’s chapel. One friend wrote that immediately upon entering the chapel they felt a movement of the Spirit that was so palpable and uplifting.

They went on to say that it was evident that each person was present out of a desire to be close to God and out of a faith that miracles, big and small, can and really do happen. This friend ended by saying their strength usually waned by four o’clock, the time of the Mass, but on that day, they felt energized well into the evening.

We were blessed to be together last Saturday, for God was with us. Just as He is right now. Let that sink in … our loving God is with us, watching and listening to both our spoken prayers and our inner thoughts and emotions.

Easily Distracted

At times, it’s easy to get caught up in where we have come from, where we need to go next, what we have to decide, as well as the people around us, etc. This is why we need to be reminded and rejoice in God’s presence. It’s a little like if you were to walk into a room and not realize someone you respected and loved was there. You could walk around, talk with others, maybe even find yourself with strangers, or perhaps even literally not see anyone at all, and leave without seeing the person you would have most wanted to see.

Sometimes, we need to hear a reading, like the one from the Prophet Ezekiel, where people of many cities were seeking the Lord because they heard that He was with the Jewish people. We need this reminder that by virtue of our baptism, God is with each of us at all times.

Leading Others to God

This message, this reality, is not meant for us alone, but to be shared with our family, friends, and neighbors. We can begin to do this by asking people if we and our families can pray for them; everyone has something they’re trying to deal with.

Just last night in line at the pharmacy I heard a young father telling the pharmacist he had to take his son to Boston for a specialist doctor’s appointment in the morning, and he was stressed. As he looked around, I caught his attention and offered to pray for his son, named Anthony. I told him to tell his boy that we would say a prayer today. His appearance changed as he smiled widely and said thank you as he left.

If we believe and experience that God is with us, we are meant to spread this truth by caring enough to take the extra moment to be aware of the needs of the people around us. With each compassionate expression of our faith, not only do we grow closer to God, but we can lead others closer to Him as well. It’s when we do this, humbly with God’s grace, that we are blessed to more deeply experience God at work through and with us, in the ordinary and extraordinary moments of life.

Don’t be afraid to show your faith, and don’t hesitate if someone sees your belief in God and wants to go with you as you follow Jesus; whether it is in prayer, the Mass, confession, or any other grace-filled moment, live like God is with you, because He is!

• Today’s Readings

• Father David's inspirational homily was recorded live during Mass at the Father Peyton Center this morning. Please view the video on our Facebook page. (You don't need a Facebook account to view.) 

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