Then the wolf shall be a guest of the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the young goat;… The baby shall play by the viper’s den, and the child lay his hand on the adder’s lair. They shall not harm or destroy on all my holy mountain… (Is 11:6,8,9)

 

Isaiah’s words about the coming of the promised Messiah, gave comfort to the Israelites, who were in turmoil because the Assyrians were advancing on Jerusalem. Isaiah also speaks of what the Messiah will be – hope for a time when all things will be set right. Only in God, all things are possible. The Israelites learned this lesson time and again as they awaited the Messiah who would set them free. From time to time, it may have seemed that God had abandoned them, but that never really happened. It was the people who lost their trust in God’s promise and constantly had to be reminded that forever they were God’s people.

 

No one says it is going to be easy to maintain trust in God when hard times hit or when the world seems to be caving in around us. God does not promise us a life without sorrow or suffering. What God does promise us, if we are faithful, is life eternal. Those who are strong in faith will weather the storms of life as they come and go; those strong in faith will be able to envision a day when the lamb will befriend the wolf or a child will be safe playing in the cobra’s den. It is the strong – those strong in faith – who truly understand that with God, all things are possible. 

 

Lord Jesus, remove from me every doubt, fear, and proud thought which would hinder me from receiving your word with trust and humble submission.

 

O Blessed Virgin Mary, refuge of sinners, please intercede for us. Hail Mary full of grace…

St. Clare, pray for us.

 

Be one and be holy,

Father Vincent-Vuong Nguyen

St. Clare of Assisi Catholic Church

Houston, TX