SAINT EUSEBIUS OF VERCELLI, BISHOP (OPTIONAL MEMORIAL

I will restore the tents of Jacob. 

The Israelites had strayed from God; they had sinned and now they were in exile, reaping the fruits of their disobedience. Through the prophet Jeremiah, God tells the people, “Because of your great guilt, your numerous sins, I have done this to you” (30:15).

After experiencing a heartbreaking loss, a young man read this verse and began to wonder if his own tragedy was somehow a punishment from God. Was there some sin that he had never confessed? This thought slowly seeped into his relationship with the Lord, and he began to pull further and further away from him.

One day at Mass, as he went forward to receive Communion, he sensed the Lord speaking to him in the quiet of his heart: “I am so happy and pleased that you have come to me.” The words broke through the lies and feelings of guilt that had caused him to put up barriers. He realized that God was not angry with him and that his loss was not a punishment. Quite the opposite. Now Jesus could show him how close he had been through all the pain.

When we face tragedy and hardship, we often search for a reason why. We desperately want to make sense of what has happened. Sometimes we blame ourselves, to the point of thinking it’s a punishment for sin.

Rather than condemnation, however, we can find comfort in the Lord. He is close to the brokenhearted (Psalm 34:19). He is not looking for a reason to punish us. Even in the case of Israel in Jeremiah’s time, his ultimate purpose for his people was healing and restoration (Jeremiah 30:18).

This is true for us too. Jesus came to heal and restore every situation. Sometimes we get to see that happen here and now, as when a miracle takes place or a relationship is mended. But for some things, we have to keep our eyes on heaven, where there will be no more sorrow, and every tear will be wiped away (Revelation 21:4).

Whatever you are facing, remember that the Lord is not out to punish you. Cling to him and ask him for his comfort and strength. He is with you always, especially in your sorrow and pain.

“Lord, thank you for your healing love.”

Jeremiah 30:1-2, 12-15, 18-22
Psalm 102:16-21, 29, 22-23
Matthew 14:22-36