Second Reading from Saint Paul to the Romans 5:1-5 the Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity
“Brothers and sisters: Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith to this grace in which we stand, and we boast in hope of the glory of God. Not only that, but we even boast of our afflictions, knowing that affliction produces endurance, and endurance, proven character, and proven character, hope, and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us.”
As I reflect on my first year at seminary, I cannot help but think how wonderful it is to see the Spirit work as I listen in the Liturgy of the Word during Mass. The timing is quite Divine, for as my seminary year comes to its completion, our faith in God points out the joy that comes from suffering in the second reading on Sunday: The Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity. Saint Paul tells the Romans, who he writes to at that time, and to us, how suffering leads to hope-for hope does not disappoint, it is the Love of God that comes to us in this state. On the other hand, cynicism and negativity never bring joy.
Like life outside seminary, life inside seminary has its joys, but also has its challenges. These challenges present themselves as crosses to allow faith in God to lead us to hope, the hope that does not disappoint for the Love of God enters into us. I remember a specific time this year that really strikes me as poignant.
I felt like life had been going 110 MPH for three days straight. My classmates and I felt stressed because we had two major exams coming up, and a major seminary event we had to prepare for together. The particular time I am thinking of was a Tuesday, the start of my pastoral formation for spring semester. To me, this felt significant because I would begin my public life for the first time. Sure, I had a public life before I answered God’s call. I also had begun pastoral formation last semester-in the form of meeting the various departments and ministries that make up a Catholic Diocesan Office. But this would be my first time meeting God’s people-the lost sheep-face-to-face outside the community of the Seminary and doing it as a representative of Christ and seminarian, not just as “Chris”.
This community in particular was the Saint Bridget’s Residence in Newark for individuals diagnosed with HIV. I expected a lot of things. I expected some rough stories, and there were some rough stories. A lot of the residents growing up did not get a fair shot to build a life for themselves as adults. Some residents shared their struggles of addictions: drugs, sex, gambling, etc.
I expected some people to be closed and unwilling to share themselves with me. And the first few did not share, after all, why should they? Did I really know what their struggles are? I am this well dressed young adult who does not look to have any of the brutal struggles they have faced. I completely understand how they feel.
But what really struck me was this. I expected cynicism and hopelessness-and found none! I felt absolute surprise at some of the answers. I am used to cynicism and negativity in so many communities, but some of the answers showed such appreciation for the efforts of Catholic Charities. They frequently said the program was excellent at getting them back on their feet. One gentlemen I spoke with for almost forty-five minutes. We spoke about many things, but overall, we both left the conversation with feelings of hope even among the crosses the Lord gives us.
It is easy for us to assume things will go wrong to protect ourselves from disappointment and hurt. Saint Paul tells us of this trap. Some forms of suffering we cannot and should not avoid, for these are the gifts God brings to us to give us hope. In this state of hope, we enter more fully into His love for us!!
Father Christopher Myers
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