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By Fr. Michael Baroudy
From The Word, December 1960
I want to discuss in this article what I consider the most challenging
truth of all times. “If God be for us who can be against us.” The Christian priest today being somewhat puzzled by the complexity and the uncertainty of our time would want, naturally, to use his good offices by choosing a subject of discussing a theme which would, in some way, help his people and help him over the rough spots we at times must travel.
Life today is so constituted that a person finds himself in a tug of war every hour of the day. Life’s demands are of such a nature that he is kept on tip-toe trying to figure out some solution to his difficult problems. Read your daily newspapers and you will soon discover the trend of our daily living. There are three definite ways open to a person. He will either swim with the current and follow the dictum which says. “When in Rome do as the Romans do.” Or, he may give up in despair and say, “What is the use,” or he may rise up to the occasion and say, “By the help of God, I am going to remain loyal to the royal in me, for I am sure that if God be for me who can be against me.”
Taking this statement or this text for what it is worth, we should remember that it is not a formula which we repeat in the morning and at bedtime. Trusting God is not easy — it is never easy. It is a high calling out of darkness into light. It is a challenge to each of us to know and to believe in the certainty of God, the fidelity of God and the finality of God, three aspects of God which each of us must believe and cherish.
Taking them in their respective order, we have the certainty of God. “If God be for us,” said the inspired writer. In other words, be certain, first of all, of your attitude and standing — that they tally with the Divine will so that you may be assured of the final results.
It is not easy to know the will of God in some difficult situation. Sometimes one feels doubtful whether God is interested in his affairs. We get to the point at times when we think that the more we pray, the darkness deepens. The cry of the Psalmist finds an echo in our hearts when he asked, “Has God forgotten to be gracious? Has He in anger shut up His tender mercy?”
In this connection, let us remember that delays are not denials. If no answer or response is forthcoming as speedily as we wish, it is no sign that God has abdicated. We should then try to be more insistent and increase our efforts in staying close to God. Who knows but that God might be testing our faith so that it becomes stronger by learning daily, patiently, to lean on the everlasting arms.
On the Pacific Coast, there grows a gnarled and rugged tree. With no protecting shield between it and the ocean, the tree has had to combat all its life the almost continuous westerly wind which sweeps in upon it from the sea. But the opposition of the heavy winds and rains have not stopped the growth of the tree. Instead, the tree has grown daily stronger, reaching ever upward toward the sunlight though frequently blown and buffeted by the gale.
A little Dutch boy stood with his father on a boat looking at the Statue of Liberty in New York Harbor. In confidential tones, the father explained to the little boy the exact situation. The father did not know anyone in America; he had no friends here, no job waiting for him, and there were only a few hundred dollars in his possession. The little boy was silent for a minute, and then he asked. “What are we going to do if you don’t get a job?”
“My son, this is America,” said the father, “It was in this country that a boy, born in a one-room cabin with a dirt floor and a single candle for light, climbed to the greatest gift within the power of the American people to confer, the presidency. In a land where such a thing could happen, there must be room for a Dutch immigrant who has faith in God and is not afraid to work. There must be a place for us.”
(to be continued next week)
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Holy Prophet Samuel, August 20
Troparion of the Prophet Samuel, Tone Four
Thou didst blossom as a scion of righteousness from a barren mother, O great Prophet Samuel. Thou didst reveal beforehand the blessings we should receive; from childhood thou didst serve the Lord in the priestly office. As a prophet thou anointedst kings; ever remember those who acclaim thee.
Kontakion of the Prophet Samuel Tone Eight
Thou wast a precious gift to God before thy conception; thou didst serve Him from infancy like an angel and wast granted to foretell future events, wherefore we cry to thee: Rejoice, O Samuel, thou Prophet of God and great high priest.
