Toward the Top

 Pier Giorgio Frasatti was an Italian youth who died on July 3, 1925. His personal motto was “Verso L’alto” or Toward the Top. Being young and athletic, one of his passions was to climb mountains. His motto has become a metaphor for his whole life.

The motto has also become the synthesis of his life. Though young, he had lofty aspirations. He wanted to climb the mountain of holiness. He was always striving for higher things. He did not only want to exist, he wanted to live well!

The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin is an invitation for us to look toward the top; to seek higher things. Mary challenges us to reach heaven.

Mary’s Assumption is the oldest feast in the Church. It is not in scripture but it has been celebrated since the 3^rd century. Our Orthodox brethren calls this as Mary’s falling asleep or her dormition. This feast makes us realize that God had a wonderful plan of Mary; also for us.

In the Gospel Reading, Mary “sings” her song of praise. It was her response to Elizabeth’s revelation of how blest she is. She is blest because of being Mother of God – the Theotokos. Moreover, she is blest because she believed in God’s Word. She is blest because of her faith.

The Assumption of the Blessed Mother gives us three lessons for our reflection:

1.    God has a beautiful plan for us. Today’s feast reminds us that God had a beautiful plan for Mary; He, too, has for us. Today people have a lot of fear. They fear almost anything; they’re afraid of the future. Faith is what we need. The Assumption invites us to look up and be optimistic. Trust in God’s wonderful plan for each of us.

2.    Death can be a great discovery. Mary rejoiced because God has done so much for her. After her life on earth, God “clothed her with the sun” and “crowned her with twelve stars.” Moreover, He made her Queen of heaven and earth. At the end of our life, we too will realize that we have been destined for higher things. We are meant for heaven.

3.    Let us keep believing. Like Mary, let us not be affected by the present struggles and storms we have. Instead, let us keep striving. Keep seeking. Let us keep persisting. God rewards our faith and perseverance.

God is Near

On September 04, 2016 last year, Pope Francis declared Mother Teresa of Calcutta a Saint in St. Peter’s Basilica. During her lifetime, she was an icon of charity and compassion for millions. She was admired by her lifelong service to the poorest of the poor. Always on the public spotlight, she was called a “living saint.”

In 2003, a book was published “Come, be my Light.” It contains the private correspondences of Mother Teresa. Moreover, it revealed her “crisis of faith.” In one instance she wrote: “where is my faith? Even deep down there is nothing but emptiness and darkness.” Even saints experience dark nights.

Our life of faith is not always smooth sailing. We also suffer from dark nights, crisis and uncertainty.

In today’s Gospel (Mt 4:22-33) we read the episode of Jesus walking on the water. After the image of His Transfiguration, we have another powerful vision of faith. Jesus is above the storm!

Let us consider three reflections:

First, storms are part of our life. They are unavoidable. In a comic strip of “Peanuts,” Charlie Brown asks for a psychiatric help from Lucy. “You have hypengyophobia or fear of responsibility.” “No,” Charlie denies. “Maybe you have climacophobia or fear of staircases.” “No,” he again negates. “Or maybe you have ailurophobia or fear of cats.” “No,” Charlie opposes. “Then you have pantophobia or fear of everything!” “Yes!” Charlie affirms. All of us has pantophobia.. fear of everything in life. Deep down we are very insecure. This creates storms and problems in our life. Some real, others self-made.

Second, we need to pray. We need to trust a power greater than ourselves. Even Jesus prayed. After feeding the people, he had to flee to the mountain because they wanted to make him a king. Jesus had to renew the purity of his heart and his total commitment to His Father. People missed the point of His mission; he did not want to deviate from His Father’s Plan. Through prayer we maintain our focus in order to avoid the temptation to power and popularity.

Third, we need to experience the presence of Jesus. Today’s First Reading (1 Kings 19:9,11-13), narrates the prophet Elija’s experience with God. He was made to stand outside the cave he was staying. After the wind, the earthquake and fire, he felt God’s comforting presence through a gentle breeze. Instead, Peter experienced the presence of Jesus through His soothing words: “Courage. It is I! Do not be afraid”

Jesus is not a ghost. He is a God who is close to us; ready to stand by us in times of uncertainty and fear. His powerful presence is the source of our strength and security.