by Fr. Brian Wirth,
Director of Rural Life
Along with Bishop James Conley and the Nebraska bishops, I want to personally express my loving concern and prayers regarding the devastating wildfires that have ravaged the precious many farms, acres, and pastures across Nebraska which have affected so many farmers/ranchers and devastated rural communities.
In this penitential Lenten season, please know you are not alone. With every cross, in trusting faith and confident hope, God has in store for us particular Resurrection blessings. We may not know them now or for some time, but within God’s Providence, he makes all things new.
It is within physically and spiritually difficult times such as these I often reflect on the words of the prophet Habakkuk:
“For though the fig tree does not blossom, and no fruit appears on the vine, though the yield of the olive fails and the terraces produce no nourishment, though the flocks disappear from the fold and there is no herd in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord and exult in my saving God. God, my Lord, is my strength; he makes my feet swift as those of deer and enables me to tread upon the heights.” (Habakkuk 3:17-19)
In view of extreme tribulation, God seeks from us not only a child-like faith, but a faith that is tested through struggle and perseverance. Despite the heavy-laden crosses, Habakkuk begins his prayer in child-like faith, trusting in the Lord God Almighty:
“O Lord, I have heard your renown, and am in awe, O Lord, of your work. In the course of years revive it, in the course of years make yourself known; in your wrath remember compassion!” (Habakkuk 3:2).
As we rapidly progress through Lent, Habakkuk is an important model of prophecy in view of Jesus, who will redeem the world via the greatest suffering and sorrow in human history and too, as a model of unwavering faith, hope, and love.
When sorrow and tragedy strike, I am always inspired by the countless acts of corporal and physical works of mercy in such challenging circumstances. These actions continually remind me that it is a blessing to live in the “Good Life,” and to be surrounded by so many who serve as Good Samaritans in selfless Christian solidarity.
From the volunteer fire departments, rural communities, political leaders, farmers, ranchers, helicopter pilots, those providing food, water, lodging, equipment, fundraisers, etc. Certainly, it takes a village, and it reminds us that when we work together as One Body, we are able to accomplish great deeds, that with Christ, all things are possible. That He brings about good in seemingly hopeless situations.
As One Body in Christ, we are called to follow the example of Jesus. In view of His forthcoming Passion and Death, Jesus constantly sought unity with the Father via the Holy Spirit. While sweating blood in the Garden, Jesus in the power of the Holy Spirit prayed: “Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me; yet, not as I will, but as you will.”
Like Habakkuk and Our Lord, whether tested physically or spiritually or both, as disciples of Our Lord, we are led to the Garden of Gethsemane amidst our own agonies. How will we respond? In trusting faith, humbly pray that the dew of the Holy Spirit may not only come upon each one of us, but too upon our beloved Nebraska lands.
Beg our Heavenly Father that with Christ and the saints who have gone before us we may have the courage and fortitude to be able to drink the cup that is offered to us, to have trusting faith and eternal hope that when we fall and think that we cannot take another step, Jesus the Eternal Sower, the Eternal Bridegroom, our Lord and Savior will extend to us his arm of mercy and love to help us carry our Cross to Calvary and be led to life, life in the fullest.
Finally, as a diocese and as Nebraskans, may we continue to humbly pray for safe, seasonal, and sufficient rainfall. Living in Nebraska, praying for rain should never be sporadic; these intentions should be as common as praying an Our Father, Hail Mary, or Glory Be. Praying for rain is not only an act of charity toward the farmers and ranchers who raise and produce our food, but too, it expresses our desire for God to continually enrich us with His blessings and manifest His glory in all creation.
Come, Holy Spirit! Renew the face of the earth now and forever. Amen.
