by Bishop Robert Brennan
The cross looms large in the Sunday gospels during these weeks. Last week, we were reminded of the reality of the cross in our own lives as Jesus called on us to take up our crosses and follow him.
This coming Sunday, the feast of the Exultation of the Holy Cross proclaims the victory of Christ over sin and death by his cross and resurrection. Indeed, the harsh reality of sin, of suffering, and of death is all around us.
Wars and violence plague the world, causing the suffering and destruction of many innocent people. Closer to home, we see manifestations of pure evil, for example, in Minneapolis, or even the gun violence that takes the lives of young people right here in Brooklyn and Queens.
Even in our own lives, we face the realities of suffering and grief. At the same time, we do see the best of humanity.
Last Sunday, our Holy Father presided over the canonization of two modern young saints. St. Pier Giorgio Frassati and St. Carlo Acutis, both of whom rooted their lives in a profound relationship with Jesus Christ within the Church and shared the joy of that relationship with their families and friends.
They enjoyed many of the things young people enjoy – the outdoors, soccer, and even video games. But the relationship they had with Christ propelled them into genuine concern and care for the poor and those who suffer. They lived their lives, not for themselves alone but for God and for others.
Each of them took up the cross of suffering in illness that continues to inspire people of all ages. Our two newly named saints, through their prayerful relationship with the Lord, are examples of hope and light against the darkness of violence and despair. But they are not unique.
I see similar examples in the young people in our parishes and youth groups. We can be very proud of the pilgrims who went to World Youth Day and to the Jubilee of Youth, as well as those who are active in our different youth events and movements. Our parishes and movements show that parishioners of all ages, not only the young, are deeply rooted in prayer and live out the fruit of that prayer every day.
NET-TV and DeSales Media reveal that there are even many homebound individuals who pray regularly with the Mass and devotions. This is good.
Pope Leo regularly calls the Church to pray for peace. He calls on leaders of nations to set aside the attitude of war and seek peace. He calls all Christians to unite in fervent prayer for peace.
In August, he called for a day of prayer and fasting on the feast of the Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and at that time asked the local churches throughout the world to continue in solidarity in a spirit of prayer and penance.
While we should pray always, here in Brooklyn and Queens, I am inviting all the faithful to make a special effort with a day of prayer and penance on Monday, Sept. 15, the feast of Our Lady of Sorrows.
With Mary, and in union with all the saints who have made the way before us, let us follow Jesus on the road to Calvary, contemplating his cross and asking his help bearing our own crosses. Prayer and penance acknowledge our own powerlessness while placing ourselves in solidarity with Christ.
When the friends of the paralyzed man realized their sense of powerlessness, they did the only thing they could imagine. In a dramatic gesture, they lowered him on a mat through the roof to bring him to Jesus (Mk. 2:1-12). And St. Paul tells us, “When I am weakest, then I am strong” (2 Cor. 12:9).
International dialogue and negotiation, as well as local conversations about gun violence, laws and enforcement, mental illness and security, are all important – very important. But if these are not grounded in prayer, they can quickly devolve into the advancement (or defense) of political agendas or ideologies.
The prophets in the Old Testament preached this message to the kings and leaders of Israel and Judah. Prayer and penance clarify our vision. They help us to pursue true good.
Please consider being part of the diocesan effort of prayer and penance on Sept. 15. Let’s pray for those peace efforts and talks underway. Let’s pray in solidarity for those who live under the scourge of war, violence, and the resulting famine and disease.
Let’s pray for the lands of some of our own neighbors and fellow parishioners who worry daily for family members. Let’s pray for the transformation of hearts and minds – beginning with the purification of our own hearts.
Prayer and penance are expressions of solidarity with those who cannot choose but to suffer. Penance can take on different forms – fasting from food, not eating between meals, fasting from social media, extra forms of devotional prayer such as the Stations of the Cross, or additional acts of charity or service.
With Our Lady of Sorrows, we look to Jesus crucified and remember his presence among those who suffer today.