Church of the
Annunciation

God is everywhere! We learn this truth of faith in the Catechism. But the more existential question is: “Where is God during our trials and suffering?” “Where is God in the face of evil?” Isaiah (1^st reading) speaks of a suffering servant who is publicly humiliated yet affirms: “God is my help.” We may ask: “How can there be a God when someone is without clothing or food?” St. James (2^nd reading) writes that God’s mercy is conveyed through the person of faith. True faith in God finds expression in loving care for one’s neighbor. Simon Peter (Gospel according to Mark) confesses that Jesus is the Messiah but then objects when Jesus explains that he must suffer. “God forbid.” God is with Jesus during his agony in the garden and on the cross. God is always with us even during the darkest hour. “Maximilian: Saint of Auschwitz” depicts the ministrations of a Franciscan priest in a diabolical place of horror – a German death camp on Polish soil. His witness reminds us of the words of St. John of the cross: “Where there is no love, bring love and you will find love.” Where and when evil bespeaks the absence of God; God’s presence is revealed through humble acts of goodness, kindness and compassion. “God is love. One who abides in love abides in God and God in him/her.”