March 22, 2020 - Fourth Sunday of Lent

"When is Hardship a Grace?

Audio Clip

It's a beautiful Wednesday afternoon, and I'm walking toward a soccer field to do something I love to do, kick a ball with my daughter. To the naked eye, the world doesn't seem any different. From where I stand, there's little evidence of illness in any direction I look. But, I know that there's an invisible force causing hardship and worry for most of the world.

This illness seems to be an episode stolen from the Middle Ages or from the Old Testament. Some of us may even be tempted to say that this is a sign from God of man's sinfulness. Such beliefs existed in Jesus' time, as well --- as we heard in today's Gospel, when the Pharisees accused a man of being "born totally in sin" because he was blind. I believe that bad things don't happen to us by God willing them to happen --- they happen to us because we live in an imperfect world --- a life without suffering or conflict is the life of heaven, not earth.

Would it be fair to say that for many of us, we are being significantly inconvenienced for the first time in a long while? Have we considered that for a few weeks or a few months, we may be experiencing a small taste of the challenges and the worry which the underprivileged experience almost every day of their lives? Do these events give us a clearer understanding of how dependent we are on God for all good things --- health, friendships, financial security, do I dare say the routine of going to work or to school. Is it possible that we've been blind to how generous God has been with the gifts of our lives? It's a question that I've asked myself many times.

If God permits a hardship to befall a person and it results in that person's spiritual conversion and a greater appreciation of God's love for them, is it more a hardship or a grace? Which do you believe? In its' most significant example, where would the human race be without the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross? I believe it's not an "either/or" question, it's both a hardship and a grace. Jesus willingly accepted hardship in order for mankind to receive the grace of forgiveness. These days of uncertainty, of sacrifice, of illness, are an opportunity for spiritual growth, for ourselves and for others.

Let us pray, that during these difficult days, God's grace will lead to healing not only for the physically ill, but for the spiritually blind of the world. For we know, that through Divine wisdom, God can make greatness come from misery, as He did through the death of His Son. May this be a time in which we share our love through prayer, penance and fasting, and when the time is right, may we be more committed than ever to serve those whose suffering never leaves them. We ask this through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.