“Be still and know that I am God”
Speaking on the Pastoral Theme for this Year 2020-2021, for the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman: ‘You are my witnesses’ (Tumi Mhoje Govai) (cf. Acts 1:8), our Archbishop Filipe Neri Ferrão urged the faithful to grow in deeper experience of God, strengthen their faith and be courageous witnesses of their faith in day-to-day life by being ambassadors of God’s love and mercy in a world that is in dire need of these divine gifts. The theme is encouraging and heartening, particularly, in the face of present situation when the whole world is reeling under the unprecedented impact of Covid-19 and the consequent Lockdowns. We are continuously reminded to make substantial changes in our way of living. Even though worship places are closed down, temples of our hearts are opened wider with a different faith-formation that helps us to find God and commune with the Creator anywhere and under any circumstances, thus becoming His true witnesses.
Our world has become a global village crying out in unison for protection from above from the clutches of this disastrous and merciless virus Covid-19. At a time when we are dreaded and perturbed over the growing concern of lakhs of people losing their lives, jobs and the like, and the world economy crumbling down, we still need to find recourse in trusting that God is in control over all that is happening in the world.
There is power in trusting God and there is strength in our togetherness. Corona Virus has taught us a taut and tough lesson that life is not about success and victory alone, nor all about achieving great heights. It is about our ultimate destiny and about still finding true happiness and meaning in life by trusting that He will work everything for our good and the good of humanity. In fact, this dismal and gloomy time is ironically an opportune time for us to witness that God is in control and that no one can change our life’s destiny other than God.
“Be still and know that I am God” Psalm 46:10, is a popular verse for comforting ourselves and others. It is indeed a wake-up call to be in awe than a gentle call to rest. The current situation should lead us to set our priorities and to take time out of our day to meditate on Scriptures and be silent with listening ears in context of the troubled and uncertain moments of our lives.
The media has overstuffed us with news and views; observations and endless information. Let us not give in to the temptation of being too much overwhelmed and weighed down with flooding messages about the bleak situation. Let us look at Jesus on the cross. He has the power to save us all. What he gives us from the cross is life in its fullness. “The Son of Man must be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.” John 3:14–15. When our sins and God’s wrath are taken away, God is totally with us. If God is for us, we will never die, but live forever with Him in joy.
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling. (Psalm 46:1-3) “Come, behold the works of the LORD, how he has brought desolations on the earth. He makes wars cease to the end of the earth; he breaks the bow and shatters the spear; he burns the chariots with fire. “Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. (Psalm 46:8-11)
When emergencies or tragedies hit us, we need inner balance, firm faith and genuine support of one another. Or else, we will simply repeat inanity and blindly forward WhatsApp and other messages! “I appeal to you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship…Be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that you may prove what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” (Rom12:1-2).
It is time we think more clearly and act more creatively. Love more deeply and share more generously. Listen to the silent voices. Learn from the best among us. “Be still and know that I am God” Psalm 46:10
In the face of Covid 19 and the consequent Lockdown
Please know that I pray for you
I pray that negative people get held at a distance.
I pray that we live life intentionally and serve others more selflessly.
I pray that we live for more than a pursuit of wealth, name and fame.
I pray that we walk to God’s ocean of grace and dive in.
I pray we worship Jesus & not the church
I pray that we keep our head held high & walk in our worth.
I pray that we give & get blessed.
I pray that we spend our life looking forward & not backward.
I pray that we never forget where we came from
I pray that no one tell us that we were made for less
I pray our days are long & our nights are calm.
I pray our spine stays strong & we live to fight on.
I pray we find something to believe in
I pray that Jesus becomes our reason & our souls sail on.
(Adapted from the prayer of Ivan Roux SA)
Sr. Faria Barretto HC
Superior General
Calangute, Goa
