I haven't been making as many entries as I would like as of late. We have had many problems at our parish, and I have no doubt that they will not be resolved in short measure. We have a parish at the moment that is angry, scared, hurt, suspicious, and ready for battle. The question I have to ask myself is "Who are we fighting"?
Are we fighting an organization that is trying to take from us that which we think is ours? Are we fighting a person who makes trouble for one that effects us all? Are we fighting ourselves? Are we fighting society as whole? Are we fighting evil? Are we fighting God?
I think everyone of these are valid questions. Those closest to me know what troubles our parish is suffering through, and yes, I choose the word suffering specifically, for there is not a one of us who is free from suffering over this, so I will not reveal all of the details of our parish here. What I will do, however, is attempt to make sense of it all for myself, and if I help anyone else, then I got lucky.
What makes no sense is why this all started. I have yet to speak to anyone in my parish who thinks that the spark that ignited this fire is founded in truth. What makes sense is that if it is, to our amazement, that we have to ask for forgiveness from many who have tried to help us through this.
What makes no sense is what we are to do. What makes sense is that we have to trust this is God's will for all of us, including the most effected and the one punished most.
What makes no sense is the answers we have been given. What makes sense is that it has to be dealt with for what it is.
What makes no sense is why God wills us to go through this. What makes sense is that we will find out.
Oh, Heavenly Father, please protect our parish. Please keep us together and let your will be done through us, and show us they way forward to best serve you.
Oh Lord Jesus Christ, through the prayers of your most pure mother, ever virgin and Most Blessed Theotokos, and all the Saints, have mercy on us. You are the light of the world; please shine on us to remove us from this darkness.
Oh Heavenly Father, we submit to your will. Amen.
