No matter where we travel, we are never far from God

A Reflection for Tuesday of the Twenty-ninth Week in Ordinary Time

Find today’s readings here.

Having faith in God is one of the greatest gifts of our lives. I’m sure there are times in which we have all questioned our faith, but more often than not, I think about how profoundly different my life would be without it. During painful times of despair, grief and brokenness, it may be hard to feel God’s unswerving love. But with faith and hope, we know it is always there.

During my junior year of college, I had the opportunity to travel around the world as part of “Semester at Sea.” I took a world religions class and visited many houses of worship throughout the 11 countries I visited. One of the most distinct memories I have was visiting a Catholic church in Chennai, India. 

There were these joyful, somewhat rambunctious school children skipping around the church during Mass. For whatever reason, it made me miss my family back at home. My parents, brother and sister were so far away, the time difference was too great and the cost too high for me to call them on a pay phone. (Mobile phones weren’t a thing back then!) Then, I was struck by a thought, a moment of grace when I realized that around the world, at every minute of the day, someone, somewhere is praying and celebrating mass. It was such a comforting experience to know that my faith—our faith—is not just about me. It is truly about the People of God in all corners of the world, bound by God’s unending promise of love and hope. 

Today’s first reading emphasizes that promise by inviting us to always return to Him in the Eucharist. Maybe we are far away from God because we have not acted in charitable ways, sought reconciliation or chosen to go to Mass (maybe because we are thousands of miles away from our home parish). And while we all try to do better, we should remember that Jesus is always close to us and always welcomes us with love. 

Next time you feel far away from home, or far from Jesus, I invite you to remember that the foundation of our faith is built upon becoming closer to Him, and that we are all part of something greater than just ourselves. With an open heart, a strong faith (even during trying times), and the hope of His promise, we will always be led to God and benefit from His abiding goodness.