Over the years, people have experienced all sorts of trials and temptations as they try to improve and progress in their spiritual life. Some have been tempted to lie, to misuse God’s name, to steal, to covet, to murder, to commit adultery or to do this or to do that. But one thing which some may have been tempted to do which is probably far more dangerous is to be tempted to despair on himself, herself, or even on others.
What does it mean to despair? It basically means a person has totally given up on himself, or herself or on others, as if he or she is or they think others are beyond hope, beyond redemption, beyond salvation. Some even go to the extent of committing suicide as they think that that is the only option open to them. What some of us sometimes fail to realise is that we are not perfect and that until we die, there will always be plenty of chances and opportunities for us to repent and seek forgiveness from God and grow closer to Him. If we have the audacity to think that we are already perfect, then we don’t need repentance, which inadvertently means that we don’t need God.
Today’s readings give us a message of hope and consolation, sort of like a big vitamin C boost (C for confidence and consolation). In the first reading, we hear the story of the prophet Elijah and how he felt like ending his life out of despair. But God gives him the strength by giving him food so that he could continue his mission. This shows that God will never abandon us just as he did not abandon Elijah when he felt as if he was really ‘down and out’ or ‘down in the doldrums.’ God gives us the strength to carry on and will help us pick ourselves up when we are down. St. Paul in the second reading also reminds us: “Never have grudges against others, or lose your temper, or raise your voice to anybody, or call each other names, or allow any sort of spitefulness. Be friends with one another, and kind, forgiving each other as readily as God forgave you in Christ.” This means that we should never despair on others, for God can also strengthen them and help them pick themselves up, just as He could do so for us.
Some of you may be wondering: Are all these possible? Or are we only trying to fool or kid ourselves, since we are merely human? Humanly speaking, it appears impossible, but with God everything is possible. God will give us the grace to bounce back when we feel like giving up and carry on or press on; as well as the courage and strength to forgive others and accept their limitations. This is why it is so important for us to come regularly for Mass, better still if we can come for daily Mass. At the Mass, we receive physical and spiritual nourishment when we listen to God’s word in scripture and we receive the life-giving bread of Jesus, his own body, as Jesus reminds us in the Gospel: “I am the living bread which has come down from heaven. Anyone who eats this bread will live for ever; and the bread that I shall give is my flesh, for the life of the world.’. It is at the Mass that we will receive new life and a boost of energy to cope as we journey along as pilgrims on this earth. So, why are we not taking the many opportunities given to us to come for Mass and be nourished by our loving God? Why are we not accepting His invitation to banquet with the King of kings? It is Free of Charge (FOC) and the benefits are certainly out of this world!