Trust and do not Doubt

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Jesus Christ,

A father seeing three small children playing atop a high fence, feared that they would fall; and so he cried, "Come, jump into my arms!" Two of them promptly did so. The third hesitated. His friend asked why the third one did not jump. He clarified that the two were his own children and therefore they trusted.

Trusting one another is a basic quality required for human living. It is vital for harmonious existence. First of all, we have to trust in god who takes care of us every day. We should also trust ourselves that we are dignified human persons with unlimited potential that has to be used for the betterment of the society. we trust our families, friends, co-workers and our superiors who are there for us and who wish good for us. We face difficulties and misunderstanding due to our lack of trust in God, in our fellowmen and in ourselves. Ultimately trust in God is of prime importance.

Underlying our trust in God is the belief that God loves us. The God presented in the bible is loving, kind, merciful and compassionate. This love is personal and intensive. We are precious in His eyes. so the letter of St.John says says, "God is love" (1john 4:8). As God is love, all that emanates from him should be from the basis of this love, It is personal affection. So St.Augustine said, "God loves each one of us as if there were only one of us". In this respect no one in this world is left alone and none should not be discouraged by failures and distress. Even the most difficult problem should not disturb us and haunt us and haunt us as God is there as a shield and protection.

We trust God as we are convinced that He will provide what we need. Our trust should be that of a child. Though it may not know the nuances of life it still believes in its parents and it is care free in its behavior. Likewise humanity needs to trust in God who cares for it every moments. Man may be wise, intelligent and powerful. But he is not eternal. Unless God wills he can not do want he desires. He is the one who directs him. As proverb says, "A man's mind plans the way, but the Lord directs him steps". (Prov 16:9) Jesus Christ assures that even the earthly needs are taken care of by God and they need not worry about this matter. He says, "Therefore do not worry saying, 'What shall we eat? Or 'What shall we drink?' or 'what shall we were? 'For all these things the Gentiles seek". Mt 6:31-34. This is the reason why the Apostles heeded the call of God, trusted Him and followed Him.

Trusting in God is total surrender. We are weak, insufficient and dependent beings. We need our friends, companions and society for all our needs. Above all we need God for our survival. in a minute He can take away our lives and what we need is our total surrender. That is the reason for Job's declaration, "The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away. may the name of the lord be Praised"(Job 1:21). It is the relization of one's limitation. St.Paul says, "Those who know your name put there trust in you, for you, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek you". ps 9:10.

Trusting in God is believing in the forgiveness of God and the mercy of God. Human beings commit sin and are fallible. Starting from Adam and Eve, human beings tend to disobey God and move away from Him. Through humanity failed many times, God out of his benevolence forgave humanity. the history of salvation is a history of continuous failures on the part of humanity and God's continuous forgiveness. His call for repentance through prophets, speaks of this wonderful gesture. Jesus said, "The time is fulfilled and the kingdom of god is at hand. Repent and believe in the Good News" MK 1:15, Jesus throughout his life was proclaiming the message of conversion and God's forgiveness. the parable of the prodigal son speaks of this forgiveness of God. LK15:11-32.

Trusting in God is finally trusting in His promise of salvation and eternal life. As humanity longs for what is eternal and long lasting the world with its limitations does not satisfy humanity. We are here to prepare for the eternal life promised to us. The incarnation of jusus Christ is an invitation for humanity to this eternal life which God enjoys. Jesus said, "For God so loved the world that He gave his only son, so that everyone who believes in Him may not perish but may have eternal life" Jn 3:16. The preaching of Jusus is centered on this invitation to enjoy eternal life. God who is life wishes to share this life with us already now partially and fully later. Let us then trust Him as he gives us everything we need and at last the eternal life.

God bless you!,

Most Rev. Dr. M. Devadass Ambrose

Bishop of Thanjavur