Today’s Sermon in a Nutshell:

Today’s Sermon in a Nutshell:

In the parable of the Prodigal Son, after the young man squanders all his money and resources on loose living, he is left destitute, ruined; he’s hit “rock bottom” and is floundering in fear and desperation. Yet it is amidst that fear and desperation that he miraculously finds God and, returning home, begins his life again. This shouldn’t surprise us, for God, Who dwells everywhere, is especially present in the most dire situations and circumstance of life.

Fear is one of the Evil One’s most popular weapons and he uses it against us quite frequently. Worry and anxiety can overwhelm us with its thick shadowy darkness, controlling our every move and decision. With so much going on in the world around us today – wars, conflicts, persecution, violence, crime, natural disasters, terrorism, economic uncertainty, unemployment, divisions, disease, death – who could blame anyone for being fearful?

But throughout Holy Scripture and the existence of the world, God has proven Himself time and again by being present in the midst of calamities: offering support, imbuing strength, bestowing hope. We might still feel some element of fear, but GOD IS WITH US!

God is greater than anything we might find fearful. Just read Psalm 91. There is nothing magical about those words or verses, yet they testify to God’s power and ability to help us overcome any and all situations and emboldens us to meet head-on challenges that produce weakness, fear, or spiritual paralysis.

As God said through the prophet Isaiah, “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (41:10)

In other words, God’s got your back!

Fr. John