In the past few weeks, life situations have reminded me what my, our, spiritual anchor is as we stand before the great mysteries of life and death. In the same week, I celebrated Mass for a lifelong parishioner who turned 90 years young. A few days later, I attended the funeral of a young, devoted parishioner who ushered at one of my parish sites who was only 21 and died unexpectedly.

In the meantime, I joined many volunteers from our migrant ministry praying for a young 25-year-old migrant who was severely injured in a car accident and declared brain dead. He was being kept alive on machines until his mother could be contacted, and she was able to see him on FaceTime before the machines were turned off.

These moments of joy, struggle, and sorrow remind us that life is both fragile and sacred. They invite us to ask “where do we find our spiritual anchor when life’s storms come.”

Our anchor is found in Christ, who promises to be with us in every season of life – whether we are celebrating a long journey of faith or walking through the valley of grief. As Saint Paul writes, “We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure” (Hebrews 6:19). This hope is not wishful thinking but the deep trust that God is present, even when we do not understand. It is the belief that love is stronger than death, that mercy is greater than pain and that our lives, however short or long, are held in the hands of a faithful God.

In times of joy our anchor draws us to gratitude; in times of loss, it holds us steady as we face the unknown. I see this anchor lived out in the quiet, steady faith of our parishioners, in the compassionate service of our volunteers, and in the resilience of those who suffer but still believe in God’s goodness.

Each of us has those challenging moments where we stand before the joys and sorrows of life and the many mysteries of life and death. Whether it is showing up for Mass, being present to each other in community, keeping a daily time for prayer, spending time reaching out to another to share a joy or to help carry a sorrow, these are all ways we can continue to hold fast to Christ, who is our ANCHOR in every season, and to also be anchors for one another through prayer, presence, and love.

Saint Teresa of Avila, a favorite saint of mine, who deeply understood the mysteries of life’s trials and the power of faith, wrote: “Let nothing disturb you, let nothing frighten you, all things are passing away: God never changes. Patience obtains all things. Whoever has God lacks for nothing.” These words can help to ground us when life feels overwhelming.

Most of all, remember when we come to Mass and share in the Eucharist, that despite all the changes in life and the world around us, the Eucharist, Mass, never changes. God is always with us! We are given Jesus! Keep this in your heart and prayers this week: When life feels uncertain, let your soul drop anchor in Christ – and you will not drift.

Happy beginning of August! Be safe and well.

With you a Christian. For you a priest.

Father Carl Morello
Pastor
Ascension and St. Edmund Parish
St. Catherine of Siena-St. Lucy and St. Giles Parish