“In the end,
God does win!”

rembling and bewildered, the women went out and fled from the tomb. They said nothing to anyone, because they were afraid” (Mark 16:8).

There is nothing more unsettling than an encounter with the unexpected. The present economic crisis proves that point, although some argue that we knew it was coming but ignored the indicators. Nevertheless, it is what it is, and we must either live into the reality of our situation or choose to act as though nothing significant has changed and try to maintain the status quo of our lives. Of course, we all know that the latter cannot be the case, for reality challenges us to make changes and adapt to a new way of living if we are to find our way forward in this troubled time.

These adjustments can be for the better, and perhaps they provide us with the opportunity to re-evaluate our lives and find a new focus for them, a focus that will help us find a “peace” that we would not otherwise have found in the midst of the material excesses with which we often find ourselves living. The ancient saying, “All things in moderation and nothing in excess,” seems to have more value now.

The way forward in these economic conditions can be somewhat scary because many of us have never experienced them before and we are living into the unknown. Precisely because of this, we must now rely more on our faith and find ways to strengthen our faith so we can make our way forward — knowing that our God keeps His promises and He has promised to be with us, always. The psalmist calls us to “trust in the Lord and not be afraid.”

The women who arrived at the tomb of Jesus were expecting to pay their respects and say good- bye, one last time. They had been so caught up in the tragedy of our Lord’s death that they were unable to understand the angel when he told them Jesus had risen. Instead, they left the tomb, saying nothing, because they
were afraid.

It’s interesting that the last verse from the original manuscript of Mark’s gospel leaves us hanging with no post-resurrection appearances of our Lord. There is a message in this, too, namely, that we are to experience the risen Lord in our own lives and finish the narrative ourselves. We must trust in the Lord, know that He is with us, listen and watch for Him, fear not, and live faithful lives by proclaiming that He has Risen!

Dear beloved of the Lord, look to the resurrection and let that message define who you are. Yes, times are difficult, but we are possessors of the Truth above all truths that Jesus has risen. Let this truth define who you are and strengthen you to meet the difficult days ahead. For in the end, God does win!

+Paul, Bishop Suffragan of Dallas

“Al final,
¡Dios sí gana!”

emblorosas y desconcertadas, las mujeres salieron huyendo del sepulcro. No dijeron nada a nadie, porque tenían miedo” (San Marcos 16:8).

El mes pasado, nos enfocamos en la necesidad de que cada uno de nosotros se arrepienta y la importancia que tiene para nuestro crecimiento y renovación espiritual. El reconocimiento de nuestro pecado nos permite empezar de nuevo y enfocarnos en las cosas de Dios. La Cuaresma ha nos ha llegado de Nuevo, y por eso hemos de enfocarnos en hacer aquellas cosas que Dios exige de nosotros para vivir en armonía con Él y los unos con los otros.

Una parte de nuestra jornada con Dios es de “esperar al Señor” para que pueda “renovar nuestras fuerzas.” El profeta Isaías nos recuerda de que cuando esperamos a Dios Él nos d alas fuerzas para seguir la jornada. El problema, por supuesto, es que nos confundimos y perdemos el camino cuando permitimos que las cosas de este mundo definan quienes somos en vez de permitir que Dios lo haga — el Dios que dice que somos sus hijos. La Cuaresma nos provee la gran oportunidad de cambiar nuestro rumbo y volver a enfocarnos la atención sobre el único camino, la única verdad, y la única vida, o sea Jesucristo, nuestro Señor, el único Hijo de Dios.

Se sabe bien que vivimos en tiempos difíciles. La recesión económica nos inflige a cada uno de nosotros, y nos tienta dejar que estos tiempos nos definan y permitir que controlen nuestras vidas. El mundo permitiría que todos viviéramos en desesperación constante — royéndonos poco a poco hasta la mera médula del alma. Esperar al Señor parece ser la solución menos indicada en estos tiempos, pero tal vez sea la cosa más importante que podamos hacer para vencer las ansiedades y el miedo.

+Paul, Obispo Sufragáneo de Dallas