Last weekend, tragedy struck the town of Elliot Lake when a part of the Algo Mall came crashing down. The rescue and recovery which followed made national headlines. Against the fear of having to see friends or relatives injured or killed by this tragedy, people who stood by and watched lit candles as signs of hope and prayer for those trapped in the rubble.
In the churches of Elliot Lake, and in churches all across our country, people are gathering this weekend to pray for the repose of the souls of the two women who lost their lives in this tragedy. As we listen to the words of the gospel, Jesus also speaks to us as he did to the gathered crowds who accompanied Jairus, the synagogue leader: do not fear; only believe. Do not fear for the souls of Lucie Aylwin and Dolores Perizzolo; only believe that they are at peace. Do not fear the questions and doubts that now arise in the hearts of all those who mourn their loss, only believe that the answers to these questions will be found. Do not fear for God has created us for incorruption, and made us in the image of His own eternity. Do not fear, for in his generosity, Jesus became poor for our sakes, so that through is poverty, we might become rich in mercy and forgiveness.
Our country celebrates its 145thbirthday this weekend (today). What better way to celebrate this day than through sharing the gift of our faith with those we call our fellow citizens. Together, we give thanks to God for the freedoms that are ours. Whether we were born in this land or not, we give thanks today for the privilege to call ourselves Canadian, and we give thanks to those who continue even today to defend our liberties.
Dear friends, it is right that we should give thanks for the freedoms that are ours, even as we strive each day to grow in our belief that the tragedy of a temple official can see his daughter restored to health, and that a tragedy which catapults a small Northern Ontario town onto the national stage can unite its people in hope and prayer.
No comments:
Post a Comment