Scriptures, sacred paintings of the saints and redeemed dancing in glory as well as Jesus’ words himself are reassurance we are not forgotten and there will be an end to suffering.
That was the message from Father Paul Counce, pastor of St. Joseph Cathedral in Baton Rouge, during the annual Mass for protection from hurricanes and storms June 4 at the cathedral.
The Louisiana Conference of Catholic Bishops designates the first Friday in June as a day of Day of Prayer and Fasting for the Protection from Storms. Masses or prayer services are held throughout the the state.
In the first reading from St. Paul’s Letter to the Romans, St. Paul focuses on the “destiny of glory” in which he writes, “I consider that the sufferings of this present time are as nothing compared with the glory to be revealed for us.”
In looking at the concept of “who is the greatest of these,” Father Counce noted in his homily that Jesus repeatedly points out they are the suffering and “the least in the eyes of the world.”
“You may be groaning now, but the Spirit comes to aide us. All things do work out for those of us who suffer,” said Father Counce.
He said the first reading makes this same point to encourage people through their suffering, that one day they will be rewarded and free of suffering and pain. And that one day they will be lifted up into God’s presence forever.
Father Counce also referred to the Gospel reading from St. Matthew in which Jesus says “Ask and you will receive, seek and you will find, knock and the door will be open to you.”
Rather than reading the passage as meaning, “ask for the wonderful things that all of us have” because many of us have not gotten everything we have asked for, Father Counce said to read it in the context that, for those living in pain, there will be a reward coming.
“That’s how God works, but in his own good time,” said Father Counce.
Coming to the Mass to pray for hurricane protection, Father Counce said God can still the storms and in some cases Jesus continues to “still the Sea of Galilee.”
But many still remember, and are recovering from, the storms of recent history that have amassed great destruction, from Hurricane Katrina in 2005 to the hurricanes that hit Lake Charles twice this past year, and even storms and flooding in the Baton Rouge area. Some have seen their houses completely washed away and wonder when will God end the storms.
Father Counce pointed out that the Scriptures urge us to hold on to God’s promises but not according to our likes and schedules but his, because he is wiser than we are.
“One day all will be calm, all will be joyful and peaceful. All will be fulfilled,” said Father Counce.