WE have to build up our conviction in this truth of our faith. God always is in control of things, no matter how twisted things in our life can be. The truth that can only come from God, his justice and mercy will always prevail in the end. We may have to suffer for a while, but we should have no doubt as to how things will end.
These truths of our Christian—that is, that truth, justice and mercy always prevail in the end—are reiterated in the responsorial psalm, “Even though I walk in the dark valley I fear no evil; for you are at my side” (Ps 23,4) and in the verse before the gospel, “I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked man, says the Lord, but rather in his conversion, that he may live.” (Ez 33,11)
We should not waste time plunging ourselves in worries, sadness and depression whenever we are falsely accused or when we may commit a grave sin. No matter how complicated our problems may be, God will see to it that truth, justice and mercy will always prevail. We just have to strengthen our faith and to remain hopeful all the time, even oozing with confidence and peace.
We have to avoid brooding and focusing on the negative aspects and elements in our life. We should rather focus on the positive ones, because even if the negative things appear to be greater than the positive ones, if we believe in God and trust in his ways, we know that everything will always work out for the good. (cfr. Rom 8,28)
With all the pressures, challenges, trials, etc., that we have to face every day, all of them corrosive of our composure, we need to deliberately foster optimism if only to survive the day, if not to do well, what with all the possibilities that are actually staring at us also every day.
It’s really a matter of attitude, a matter of choice. We can choose to succumb to these negative elements, or to be hopeful, patient and optimistic, looking beyond the here and now and detaching ourselves from the unreliable play of our emotions, knowing that there is always meaning in everything that happens in life.
We need to build up our conviction of optimism and create its corresponding atmosphere and culture around, since we cannot deny that many people and a growing part of the world today are sinking into depression and despair. (Fr. Roy Cimagala)
