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The rhythm of the Church is one which is all her own.  We are invited to enter into that rhythm, but often find it hard to do so, influenced as we are by the secular world in which we live.  This Sunday, the 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time, is the second last of this liturgical year. Soon, very soon, we will begin preparations to welcome the Babe.  Some may have already begun them.  🙂

The readings give a feeling of foreboding, ‘nation will rise against nation … there will be great earthquakes … famines and plagues… you will be betrayed even by your parents.’   These words correlate with the continued feeling of angst in the world, present for several years, exasperated now as we seem rapidly headed for a recession, while also struggling with fall-out from the pandemic and a persistent movement of many to far right or far left ideologies.  Investments are dropping and costs increasing: home heating fuel, gas for our cars, groceries.  Interest rates are the highest they have been since 2008.  Those with variable mortgage rates are paying more; others are still struggling to find a home they can afford; rents are up.   The Bennett’s are feeling concern around this as well – filling our oil tank will cost approximately $1200, about 50% more than we budgeted; a new car ordered last spring will now cost about $2000 more. Worries of it all can weigh us down.   Added to that we seem surrounded by sickness and death – two young nephews who are encountering health issues; friends who have experienced sudden deaths of good friends; another who has received devastating news about a cancer diagnosis.   Life seems hard right now. 

Yet the readings also say, ‘when you hear of wars and insurrections, do not be terrified. … not a hair of your head will perish.’  Words of comfort; words of hope; words that call us to trust.

For some reason or another, I am always tired at this time of year.  It is easier for me to live the worries than the joys; focus on what needs to be done, rather than what has already been accomplished.  I am a worker bee, and even though now retired, am challenged to complete the many tasks I keep creating for myself.  Maybe it is when one is tired that we are more prone to anxiety, to seeing the half empty glass versus the half full one.  

So last week I was thrilled to witness powerful examples of community which brought peace and joy.   The Mass for All Souls Day – that beautiful, poignant liturgy which remembers those from our pastoral unit who have died in the last 12 months, touched me.  Hearing a bit of their story – “I miss the birthday cards that arrived two weeks ahead of schedule with a large ‘do not open until…’ noted on the front of the envelope.  … I miss that you could not join me to watch the Habs beat the Leafs in the season’s opening game. … Most of all, I miss you.” – brought back my own memories of those I love who have died.   The Snowflake Bazaar hosted by the IHM Ladies Society presented opportunity to see grandparents shopping with their grandchildren; watch young people find treasures from other people’s castaways; chat with those I have not seen in a long time and some I only met that day; spot parishioners and former parishioners mingling together.  Last Sunday’s liturgy welcomed two young cousins, both honouring their grandmother by bearing her name, into the Church through the celebration of Baptism, surrounded not only by their family, but also by the community.

These simple, ordinary events offered me such positive experiences of community.  It is not to say that all we worry about is not happening; that tragedy and struggles are not real and painful.   However, when we allow it to, the community can offer comfort and hope, joy and support through times of angst and fatigue.  Maybe because it is the Body of Christ which He left us.  

Ellen Bennett