GOD IS NEAR EVEN WHEN WE WANDER FROM “GOD’S WAYS”

“You, LORD, are our father,
our redeemer you are named forever.
Why do you let us wander, O LORD,
from your ways?” Isaiah 63, 16-17

“May your help be with the son of man whom you yourself made strong. Then we will no more withdraw from you; give us new life.” Psalm 80: 18-19

” Jesus said to his disciples:
‘Be watchful! Be alert!'” Mark 13:33

Note that the words of this weekend’s liturgy say “Lord, why do you let us wander from your ways” rather than saying “why do you let us wander from you.” Our Father, with the Son and the Holy Spirit, is always with us!  (What father, if he could, would not be in the presence of the daughters and sons that he loves?)

In the midst of the many activities of this materially busy season of giving, let’s be “watchful and alert” to our ever-with-us God.  Let’s demonstrate during this new Liturgical Year that we believe what St. Paul’s words tell us:  we “are not lacking in any spiritual gift.”

How shall I and we make a return to the Lord for the good that He has done for us?  With God’s own help, “we will no more withdraw from Him.” Psalm 80