November 10, 2002

At Baptism, we were given lighted candles and invited to keep the flame of faith burning until we meet the Lord. We rekindle that flame of faith as we hear about the bridesmaids who faithfully keep their lamps burning through the night and welcome the bridegroom when he comes.

What would make you lose your faith? You lose your job the day your spouse files for divorce. Your mother and sister are diagnosed with late stage of breast cancer. A dear friend is assaulted and killed. A driving accident leaves you paralyzed. Your life is an endless string of disappointments and suffering. Surrounded by darkness so deep, how could anyone keep the flame of faith alive?

In dark nights like these we may become weary and discouraged and angry over the Lord's seeming delay. We may despair of the Lord ever coming to save us. To be faithful through the darkest night is to expect the Lord's coming even when it seems impossible. Today's Scriptures compare such high faith to keeping vigil, watching of the dawn, staying awake, and hoping against hope. The wisest among us will keep the flame of faith alive in our hearts and not be taken by surprise when the Lord returns.

We might also lose faith in our efforts to build up God's reign. Eventually we may confront evil too great for humans to overcome. But, God loves us too much to leave our future entirely in human hands. Those who expect the Lord to return in glory at the end of time can work with vigor, fielded by the oil of hope that the Lord will ultimately bring our work to fulfillment in the Reign of God.

SO THE QUESTION: WHEN HAS YOUR FAITH BEEN SEVERELY TESTED? WHAT KEEPS YOU HOPEFUL DURING THE DARK TIMES?

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